COMPANIONS - ROLE SHARIAH

 COMPANIONS ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT
OF SHARIAH

 
(1) Companions worked hard to carry forward knowledge; Prophecy "coming generations might comprehend better" 

Note: Ahadis clearly emphasize that coming generation will have vast comprehensions because of the exfoliation of the seed of “ILM”, the Knowledge bestowed to Adam for which talent the angels were ordered to bow down in front of him, best example is ever increasing scientific knowledge.

“Just ³⁶ recall the time when your Lord said to the angels, ³⁷ "I am going to appoint a vicegerent ³⁸ on the Earth”. They humbly enquired, "Are you going to appoint such a one as will cause disorder and shed blood on the Earth? ³⁹ We are already engaged in hymning Your praise, and hallowing Your name". ⁴⁰ Allah replied, "I know what you do not know." ⁴¹ after this he taught Adam the names of all things. ⁴² Then He set these before the angels and asked, "Tell Me the names of these things, if you are right (in thinking that the appointment of a vicegerent will cause disorder)". They replied, "Glory be to You. You alone are free from defect. We possess only that much knowledge which You have given us. ⁴³ Indeed You alone are All-Knowing and All-Wise." Then Allah said to Adam, "Tell them the names of these things." When Adam told them the names of all those things, ⁴⁴ Allah declared, "Did I not tell you that I know those truths about the Earth and the Heavens which are hidden from you? I know what you disclose and what you hide." Then We commanded the angels, "Bow yourselves to Adam. "All bowed ⁴⁵ but Iblis ⁴⁶ refused to do so; he waxed proud and joined the defiers. ⁴⁷” (2:30-34)

(9) CHAPTER. The Statement of the Prophet; It is probable that a person who receives a piece of information indirectly "may comprehend it better than he who has heard it directly from its source"

Bukhari Volume 1, Number 67

Narrated 'Abdur Rahmãn bin Bakrah's father, once the Prophet (s) was riding his camel and a man was holding its rein. The Prophet (s) asked, "What is the day today?" We kept quiet, thinking that he (s) might give that day another name. He (s) said, "Isn't it the day of Nahar (slaughtering of the animals of sacrifice) we replied yes." He (s) further asked, "Which month is this?" We again kept quiet, thinking that he (s) might give it another name. Then he (s) said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We replied, "Yes." He (s) said, "Verily! Your blood, property and honor are sacred to one another (i.e. Muslims) like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this city of yours. It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform those who are absent because those who are absent might comprehend (what I have said) better than the present audience."

Bukhari Volume 2, Book 25, Number 1741:

Narrated Abu Bakra:

The Prophet (s) delivered to us a sermon on the Day of Nahr. He said, "Do you know what the day today is?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle (s) know better." He remained silent till we thought that he (s) might give that day another name. He (s) said, "Isn't it the Day of Nahr?" We said, "It is." He (s) further asked, "Which month is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He (s) remained silent till we thought that he (s) might give it another name. He (s) then said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We replied: "Yes! It is." He (s) further asked, "What town is this?" We replied, "Allah and His Apostle know it better." He (s) remained silent till we thought that he (s) might give it another name. He (s) then said, "Isn't it the forbidden (Sacred) town (of Mecca)?" We said, "Yes. It is." He (s) said, "No doubt, your blood and your properties are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours, till the day you meet your Lord. No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's message to you? They said, "Yes." He (s) said, "O Allah! Be witness. So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it (this information) to those who are absent because the informed one might comprehend it (what I have said) better than the present audience, who will convey it to him. Beware! Do not renegade (as) disbelievers after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another."

Bukhari Volume 5, Book 64, Number 4406:

Narrated Abu Bakra:

The Prophet (s) said, "Time has taken its original shape which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is of twelve months, four of which are sacred, and out of these (four) three are in succession, i.e. Dhul-Qada, Dhul-Hajj and Al-Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab which is named after the Mudar tribe, between (the month of) Jumaida-ath-thania and Sha'ban." Then the Prophet (s) asked, "Which is this month?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle (s) know better." On that the Prophet (s) kept quiet so long that we thought that he (s) might name it with another name. Then the Prophet (s) said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hajj?" We replied, "Yes." Then he (s) said, "Which town is this?" "We replied, "Allah and His Apostle (s) know better." On that he (s) kept quiet so long that we thought that he (s) might name it with another name. Then he (s) said, "Isn't it the town of Mecca?" We replied, "Yes,” Then he (s) said, "Which day is today?" We replied, "Allah and His Apostle (s) know better." He (s) kept quiet so long that we thought that he (s) might name it with another name. Then he (s) said, "Isn't it the day of An-Nahr (i.e. sacrifice)?" We replied, "Yes." He (s) said, "So your blood, your properties, (The sub-narrator Muhammad said, 'I think the Prophet also said: And your honor are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this city of yours, in this month of yours; and surely, you will meet your Lord, and He will ask you about your deeds. Beware! Do not become infidels after me, cutting the throats of one another. It is incumbent on those who are present to convey this message (of mine) to those who are absent. May be that some of those to whom it will be conveyed will understand it better than those who have actually heard it." (The sub-narrator, Muhammad, on remembering that narration, used to say, "Muhammad (s) spoke the truth!") He (s) (i.e. Prophet) then added twice, "No doubt! Haven't I conveyed (Allah's Message) to you?"

Ayahs Muhkimat Basic fundamental Mutshabihat Allegorical 3:7

Note; dark blue are notes while black is copied from translations of Ahadis and red is Quranic Ayahs and also to highlight certain parts in translation of “Sahih Bukhari” by Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan. 

Understanding Quran 

Research for establishing correlations between Ahadis which are supporting and explaining each other is a great need of the day and truly scholastic endeavors can bring the requisite clarity to the message of Islam, which is getting tainted by pseudo scholars giving a false image of Islam, especially when addressing prophetic literature, “Ahadis” which is to explain and demonstrate the message contained in Quran, not to create dark corridors full of doubts creating an ever growing predicament in this regard; this is the raison d’ etre of Ayah 7 of Surah Ale Imran.

Bukhari Volume 6, Book 65, Book of Tafseer, Number 4547:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle recited the Verse:--

“He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental “Muhkimat” (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book ⁵  “Ummul Kitab”: others are allegorical “Mutshabihat”. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord “Fitna”, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings ⁶ except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.” (3:7)  

Then Allah's Apostle said, "If you see those who follow thereof that is allegorical “Mutshabihat” (not entirely clear), then they are those whom Allah has named [those in whose hearts is perversity as seeking discord [“Fitna”] 'So beware of them."

This Hadis could be better understood when read in light of Ahadis laying down that knowledge dealing with scientific phenomenon, so often invited by The Creator to ponder and reflect upon; will increase in coming generations, given below in full for the benefit of the reader. Ayah 7 of Surah Ale Imran mentioned in above Hadis lays down the difference between clear ordains “Muhkimat” verses the allegorical “Mutshabihat”. Example of clearly laid down ordains are mostly of statutory nature such as matters regarding marriage and divorce, inheritance and many more Ayahs dealing with duties such as Ibadah, worship; Salah, Fasting, Zakah and Hajj. Allegorical Ayahs can be divided further into two types such as permanent, like Allah Himself, Paradise, Hell, angels and many Ayahs dealing with eschatology. Second type are those Ayahs which point and hint towards realities which are left for the believers to ponder but never try to explain as long as these become manifest; caution dully given in this Hadis and Ayah. Some examples of this second type of Ayah are biological realities about stages of development of child in womb of mother and other scientific realities coming into comprehension of modern man through advancement in scientific discoveries, Dr. Keith L. Moor an embryologist accepts accuracy of Quran about stages of development of child in womb of mother.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Dllu42eEA&t=50s

Another example taken here is 36^th Ayah of Surah 36. It is also worth noting here that this Ayah mentions that every created thing is in pairs while this surah and Ayah in itself is a pair, i.e. Surah 36 Ayah 36.

“Glorified is He ³⁰ Who created in pairs of all things that the earth produces, as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge. ³¹” (36:36)

Such Ayahs were allegorical as long as mankind not grew in knowledge, such as electron and proton; however this allegorical Ayah has become a great reality with advancement in science. There are many more such Ayahs of Quran especially about embryology understood with passage of time, not quoted here for sake of brevity as this is not the topic under discussion, aim is to only make it clear that Ayahs of allegorical nature must not be pursued unless solid knowledge could support and till such time must be taken as laid in Quran without unnecessary rhetoric as clearly warned in following Ayah by The Creator.

“Lo; those who wrangle concerning the revelations of Allah without a warrant having come unto them, there is naught else in their breasts save pride ⁷⁵ but they shall never attain to their ambitions. ⁷⁶ So take thou refuge in Allah. Lo! He, only He, is the Hearer, the Seer.” (40:56)

Another reason for exercising great caution regarding allegorical Ayahs is to guard against going astray resulting in schism, damaging the raison d’ etre of Islam. Interpreting and trying to rationalize an allegorical Ayah about some realty not yet made manifest by The Creator, not only leads one astray but lays foundation of different schools of thoughts and off shoots in religion, causing disputation, debate and disagreement, endangering the very purpose of religion. Example of such mistake is making pharaoh a “friend of God” by great mystic philosopher Ibn Arabi, about 7 centuries ago while trying to explain Ayah 92 of Surah 10, given below.

“Now this day We will preserve your dead body ⁹² only to be a sign of warning for the succeeding generations, though there are many people who give no heed to Our Signs." ⁹³ ” (10:92)

Body of Remises II found out in last century was alluded here by The Creator but an endeavors to explain a great realty before it had to be made manifest in the grand design of The Creator made the scholar go wrong while interpreting “saving body” being a favor to pharaoh. (Page No. 116. 2^nd paragraph.

 http://www.sufi.ir/books/download/english/ibn-arabi-en/fusus-al-hikam-en.pdf

This example makes the point clear about allegorical Ayahs as to why The Creator warned of its dangerous consequences, if interpreted without a solid foundation by using mere conjecture, strongly discouraged throughout Quran.

“And O Muhammad if you obey most of the dwellers of the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's Way, for they follow nothing but guess-work and indulge in mere conjectures. ⁸³ In fact, your Lord knows best those who have gone astray from His Way and also He knows those who are on the Right Path.” (6:116-117)

However a subtle point must not be misunderstood here that Quran is not putting a barrier to inquiry and research in learning process, on the other hand Quran lays great emphasis for inquiry, research and learning as basic duty of Muslim, Prophet (s) specially ordered to pray.

“O my Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)

This great emphasis on learning is the reason behind great philosophers and scientists, a few to mention, like Ghazali, Ibne-Rushd better known as Averroes and Ibne-Sina as Avicenna in western world having imbibed greatly from such scholars of Islam.

All Ahadis quoted here are taken from Sahih Bukhari translated by Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan.

http://www.thechosenone.info/sahih-al-bukhari-hadith-in-english-all-volumes-1-9/ 

(2) Evidence – Rules developed by companions

 (3) CHAPTER. The witness of an eavesdropper

Bukhari Volume 3, Book 52, Page Number 462:

'Amr bin Huraith allowed such a witness and said, "This is the way to be followed to discover the reality of an evil person." Ibn Sirin, 'Ata' and Qatada said, "A witness can be based on hearing only (i.e., even if the hearer does not see the speaker.)" Al-Hassan used to say at the time of giving evidence, "They did not make me a witness but I heard such and such”. 

(3) Honored learned if differed on some verdict

(8) CHAPTER. The share of inheritance of one's son's daughter in the presence of own daughter.

Bukhari Volume 8, Book 85, Number 6736:

Narrated Huzail bin Shurahbil:

Abu Musa was asked regarding (the inheritance of) a daughter, a son's daughter, and a sister. He said, "The daughter will take half and the sister will take the half. If you go to Ibn Mas'ud, he will tell you the same." Ibn Mas'ud was asked and was told of Abu Musa's verdict. Ibn Mas'ud then said, "If I give the same verdict, I would stray and would not be of the rightly-guided. The verdict I will give in his case will be the same as the Prophet (s) did, i.e., one-half is for the   daughter, and one-sixth for the son's daughter i.e., both shares make two-thirds of the total property; and the rest is for the sister." Afterwards we came to Abu Musa and informed him of Ibn Mas'ud's verdict, whereupon he said, "So, do not ask me for verdicts, as long as this learned man is among you."

(4) Example of obedience to head of the
state – Leader

Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number 1406:

Narrated Zaid bin Wahab:

I passed by a place called Ar-Rabadha and by chance I met Abu Dhar and asked him, "What has brought you to this place?" He said, "I was in Sham and differed with Muawiya on the meaning of (the following verses of the Quran): 'They who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah.' (9.34). Muawiya said, 'This verse is revealed regarding the people of the scriptures." I said, It was revealed regarding us and also the people of the scriptures." So we had a quarrel and Mu'awiya sent a complaint against me to 'Uthman. 'Uthman wrote to me to come to Medina, and I came to Medina. Many people came to me as if they had not seen me before. So I told this to 'Uthman who said to me, "You may depart and live nearby if you wish." That was the reason for my being here for even if an Ethiopian had been nominated as my ruler, I would have obeyed him.

Bukhari Volume 9, Book 93, Number 7143:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

The Prophet (s) said, "If somebody sees his Muslim ruler doing something he disapproves of, he should be patient, for whoever becomes separate from the Muslim group even for a span and then dies, he will die as those who died in the Pre-Islamic period of ignorance (as rebellious sinners). (See Hadith No. 7053)

Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 7053:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet (s) said, "Whoever disapproves of something done by his ruler then he should be patient, for whoever disobeys the ruler even a little (little, a span) will die as those who died in the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance. (i.e. as rebellious Sinners).

 (5) Quran quest for understanding

Companions pondering over Quran with an open mind without aprehension.

Bukhari Volume 6, Book 65, Page Number 291:

Sa'id said: A man said to Ibn 'Abbas, "I find in the Qur'an certain things which seem to me contradictory, for example Allah says:-

'...There will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another.' (23:101) (yet He says :) 'And they will turn to one another and question one another.' (37:27) 

'...But they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allah.' (4:42) [Yet He reports what A1-Mushrikün (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad will say: '...By Allah, our Lord, we were not those who joined others in worship with Allah.' (6:23) According to this Ayah, they will hide some facts. Allah says: 

'Or is the heaven that He constructed? (Up to)... He spread the earth.' (79: 27-30) In this Ayah He mentions the creation of the heavens before the creation of the earth. Then He says: 'Say (0 Muhammad: 'Do you verily, disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two Days... (Up to) …... willingly.' (41:9-11) So He mentions in this Ayah the creation of the earth before the heavens. And He says: '...Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'  (4:23) '...Allah is Ever Most Powerful, All-Wise.' (4:56) '...Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.' (4:58) this seems to be something that was and has passed."

Then Ibn 'Abbas answered, "There will be no relationship between them.' That is on the first blowing of the Trumpet. 'And so the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon, away except him whom Allah wills.....(39:68) Then 'there will be no relationship  between them, and at that time one will not ask another. Then, when the Trumpet will be blown for the second time, they will turn to one another and question one another.'

As for His Statement: '...We were not who joined others in worship with Allah.' 'But they will not be able to hide a single fact from Allah.' Allah will forgive the sins of those who were sincere in their worship, whereupon A1-Mushrikün will say (to each other), 'Come, let's say we never worshipped others besides Allah.' But their mouths will be sealed and their hands will speak (the truth). At that time it will be evident that no speech can be concealed from Allah and those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger will wish that they were burned in the earth, but they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allah. (4:42).

Allah created the earth in two days and then created the heavens, and then He turned towards the heavens and gave it perfection in two (other) days. Then he spread the earth, and its spreading means the bringing of water and pasture out of it. He then created the mountains, the camels and the hillocks and whatever is in between them (the earth and the heaven) in two (other) days. That is the meaning of Allah’s saying: 'He spread it.' and His Saying: 'and He created the earth in two days.' So the earth and whatever is on it, was created in four days; and the heavens were created in two days. 

(Concerning His Saying) 'And Allah is Oft-Forgiving.' He named Himself like that (so the naming has passed) but the contents of His Saying are still valid, for if Allah ever wants to do something, He surely fulfills what He wants. So you should not see contradiction in the Qur'an, for all of it is from Allah."

Companions carried on learning from each other - Interpretation of Quran a continuous process 

(47) CHAPTER. Allah's Statement: "Would any of you wish to have a garden with date palms and vines ... (till) ... that you may give thought." (V.2:266)

Bukhari Volume 6, Book 65, Number 4538:

Narrated Ubaid bin Umair: Once 'Umar (bin Al-Khattab) said to the companions of the Prophet "What do you think about this Verse (given below):--"Does any of you wish that he should have a garden?" They replied, "Allah knows best." 'Umar became angry and said, "Either say that you know or say that you do not know!" On that Ibn Abbas said, "O chief of the believers! I have something in my mind to say about it." Umar said, "O son of my brother! Say, and do not under estimate yourself." Ibn Abbas said, "This Verse has been set up as an example for deeds." Umar said, "What kind of deeds?" Ibn Abbas said, "For deeds." Umar said, "This is an example for a rich man who does goods out of obedience of Allah and then Allah sends him Satan whereupon he commits sins till all his good deeds are lost."