Companions of the Prophet

Arabic Sahaba or Ashab

Followers of Muhammad who had personal contact with him, including any Muslim contemporary who saw him.

As eyewitnesses, they are the most important sources of Hadīth. Sunnite Muslims regard the first four caliphs (among the 10 Companions to whom Muhammad promised paradise) as the most important. Shīite Muslims disregard the Companions, whom they consider responsible for the loss of the caliphate by the family of Alī.

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▪ Islamic history

Arabic  Ṣaḥābah, or Aṣḥāb,  

      in Islām, followers of Muḥammad (Muhammad) who had personal contact with him, however slight. In fact, any Muslim who was alive in any part of the Prophet's lifetime and saw him may be reckoned among the Companions. The first four caliphs, who are the ṣaḥābah held in highest esteem among Sunnite Muslims, are part of a group of 10 Companions to whom Muḥammad promised paradise. The muhājirūn (those who followed the Prophet from Mecca to Medina), the anṣār (the Medinese believers), and the badrīyūn (those who fought at the Battle of Badr) are all considered Companions of the Prophet. There are differing accounts of who belonged to the various groups.

      The Companions, being eyewitnesses, are the most important sources of Ḥadīth, the record of Muḥammad's sayings and activities.

       Shīʿite Muslims disregard the ṣaḥābah, whom they consider responsible for the loss of the caliphate by the family of ʿAlī.

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