Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In the Qur’an, Allah (swt) says: “The first of the Emigrants (Muhajirun) and the Helpers (Ansar), and those who followed them in goodness—Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him…”[1] In another verse, the qualities of the Companions [Sahabah] are described as follows: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Those who are with him are firm against the disbelievers and compassionate among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking Allah’s grace and pleasure…”[2] These verses clearly reveal the value and virtue of the Companions in the sight of Allah.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The Companions are those who saw the Prophet, spoke with him, believed in him and passed away as Muslims. Their greatness lies not only in having seen the Prophet but also in their dedication to his mission and their willingness to sacrifice everything for Islam. It is through their efforts, sacrifices and narrations that Islam has reached us today. They were the ones who learned and taught the verses of the Qur’an and who transmitted the hadith and sunnah of the Prophet. For this reason, the generation of the Companions became the first carriers and the most authentic representatives of Islam.

Dear Jama’ah!
The exemplary lives of the Companions show us what true faith means. Abu Bakr (ra), during the Expedition of Tabuk, donated all his wealth in the cause of Allah, saying, “I leave my family with Allah and His Messenger.”  Uthman (ra) purchased the well of Ruma and made it available for the Muslims and donated hundreds of camels for the Tabuk campaign. Ali (ra), on the night of the Hijrah, risked his life by lying in the Prophet’s bed to protect him. The Ansar, on the other hand, hosted their emigrant brothers and sisters in their homes in Madinah, shared their wealth with them and became the living embodiment of the following verse:

“They give preference to their brothers even though they themselves are in need…”[3] For this reason, the Prophet (saw) said: “Do not insult my Companions. For if one of you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud in charity, it would not equal a handful, or even half a handful, of what they gave.”[4] Thus, he made clear the immense value of the Companions.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Love for the Companions is a requirement of faith, for Allah and His Messenger loved them. By loving the Companions, we are in fact loving our religion, our faith and the pioneers [As-Sābiqūn] through whom Islam was passed down to us. It is our duty to carry their spirit of sacrifice, selflessness and devotion to the Messenger of Allah into our own lives today, to keep alive their sense of justice and struggle in our own social responsibilities. It means naming our children after them, raising them with their stories and helping them take the Companions as their role models. Let us remember: This love strengthens brotherhood in our hearts and unity and harmony in our community. Keeping alive the example of the Companions is not only remembering the past, it is reviving the present and laying firm foundations for the future.

O Allah! Increase our love for the noble Companions. Grant us the ability to follow their example and bring their spirit of sacrifice and brotherhood into our lives. Be pleased with us as You were pleased with them. Āmeen.

[1] Surah At-Tawbah – 100

[2] Surah Al-Fath – 29

[3] Surah Al-Hashr – 9

[4] Sahih İbn Mace, 132

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