Question:
It is well-known that Imamiyah Shiites rejects the companions of the Prophet PBUH. What is the real status of the companions of the Prophet PBUH according to Imam al-Syafie?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Imam al-Syafie said: “Allah SWT praised the companions of the Prophet PBUH in the Quran, Torah and Bible. And it has been revealed regarding their priority through the words of the Prophet PBUH, which no one else after them will have. Thus, Allah SWT also love them and place them at the highest standing and status of people who are honest, the martyrs and pious.
They are the one who convey the sunnah of the Prophet PBUH to us and they are his witnesses. When the revelation was revealed to the Prophet PBUH, they understand what the Prophet PBUH intended in its general and specific circumstances and they know the wisdom of the sunnah, what we know and don’t know. And they exceed us in terms of knowledge, ijtihad, warak and matters that is understood through knowledge, contemplation and conclusions.
Their understanding and assessment are highly regarded and prioritized compared to understandings that comes from us for us. If someone from among them states his opinion and none of them rejects it, then we will accept the opinion.”
The above statement includes great appreciation and recognition for the companions of the Prophet PBUH and his introduction on their rights and great stature in Islam and this is the belief of every Ahli Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah followers.
Imam al-Syafie stated: “I did not see that a person who is tested with insulting the Prophet PBUH, except with the insults, Allah SWT will increase their (the companions of the Prophet PBUH) rewards at the time when they can no longer do good deeds (after death).”
Imam al-Syafie also mentioned the excellence of Khulafa’ al-Rasyidin and their great stature among the companions of the Prophet PBUH: “The most prioritized people after the Prophet PBUH are Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman dan Ali RA.”
He further added: “The order of their priority starts from Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman and Ali.” Al-Rabi’ bin Sulaman also said: “I heard Imam al-Syafie state the matter of priority of Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman and Ali RA.” Wallahua’lam.