Assallaamu alaikum,
So many non-Muslims are put off Islaam because of the behaviour of so-called Muslim holy men. Corruption and hypocrisy has become manifest among such people. False love for Allaah and His Messenger(SAW) is displayed so that power and wealth can be obtained. Such dispicable behaviour prevents so many from seeing the humility and justice which emanated from the lives of Muhammad(SAWs) companions. As Muslims we should strive to make the understanding of these virtuous people known. Not only does this show the people what true Islaam is, but it also highlights the fact that Islaam and its true meaning are indeed preserved.
The Companions of the Prophet(SAW) witnessed the revelation of the Qur’aan as it descended upon him over a period of 23 years. The Companions of the Prophet(SAW), observed the Sunnah of their beloved Messsenger in its most pristine and absolute form. And it is these companions of the Prophet(SAW), whose observance and practice of the Qur’aan and Sunnah has shown the world clearly as to what Islaam really is.
The understanding of the Companions(RAA) and its preservation, is therefore a great blessing for both humanity and the Muslims. The credentials of the companions is known from the famous hadeeth of the Prophet(SAW) when he said: “The best of mankind is my generation (the companions), then those after them, then those after them.” (Bukhari)
Collectively these three generations are known as the Salaf us-Saaliheen (the pious predecessors) with the best of them being the Companions.
The uncomprimising faith of the Companions has been certified and attested to by Allaah(SWT) and His final Messenger, Muhammad(SAW). In the Qur’aan Allaah says: “And the first to embrace Islaam from the Muhajiroon and the Ansar and those who followed them in goodness, Allaah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the ultimate success.” (Surah At-Tauba 9:100).
This verse is undoubtedly a witness for the excellence and virtue of the companions, as too is the following : “You are the best nation ever raised up from humanity. You enjoin all that is good and forbid all that is evil, and you belive in Allaah.” (Surah Al-Imraan 3:110).
Thus it is only natural that the best understanding of Allaah, His Prophet(SAW) and Islaam, comes from those who have been certified as the best of humanity.