Title: About Revering the Companions Question: Many Muslims put ' radhiallahu ann ' after the name of a companion or other early Muslim. I have also been told that one must never say anything critical of a companion because they are the best generation. However, after reading any amount of ahadith literature, it becomes abundantly clear that the companions were humans and often erred. How are we to learn from their mistakes if it is disrespectful to admit them? Was it disrespectful of the people who originally recorded the mistakes of the companions? I can understand saying ' sullallaahu alayhi wa salam ' after the name of Prophet Muhammad, as a sign of gratitude and respect. But I have been told that one must only say ' alayhi salam ' after the name of any other prophet. This seems to be making a differentiation between prophets, which is forbidden by the Qur'an. Can you please elaborate on the exact origins of these traditions? When did these practices begin? What is their authority? I converted to Islam from a Christian background. Anyone acquainted with church history is familiar with gradual process of elevating humans, albeit very pious and sincere humans, to the level of sainthood. Am I right in feeling some concern that there is a danger of the same thing happening here? Jazakum Allahu khairan for your answer. Ruqaiyyah Al-Muhtadi United States of America Answer: Many eastern cultures observe a sort of benediction towards things and people they revere and love. This is true of many African, Middle Eastern and Central Asian societies. For instance, words of good wishes are expressed to grandparents, or ancestors or saints etc... So, this practice is a feature of cultural influence. There's nothing really negative about it unless the reverence is applied for the wrong reason (i.e. considering someone a saint, deifying an object or person etc...). Moiz Amjad writes: When we mention or remember someone from amongst our loved ones, who has passed away, we normally pray for his salvation with the mention of his name or the reminder of his person. Now, obviously, this prayer for the salvation of our loved one is not an obligation but actually originates from the love that is embedded in our heart for that person. It should be clear that the referred benediction is merely an act of love and respect for the companions of the Prophet (pbuh). However, it is important to note that the words ' radiallahu anhu ' (lit: 'God be pleased with them') are, in fact, words of supplication, prayers as well as a reminder of a glad tidings given in the Qur'an for the Prophet's companions. The primary basis of using these words is the glad tidings given in Al-Taubah 9: 100. It is true that Muslims have, unfortunately, elevated certain personalities to the point that you can't even mention their faults. That is part of human nature but I must insist that this is not a feature of Islam. Admiring the Companions or any other people should not cloud our judgment and if we can learn from their mistakes then that is the best way to carry on with life. There are no restrictions in the Shari'ah relating to the mistakes of any of the Companions. This seems to be someone's preference and not part of Islamic doctrine. Those who recorded events were merely reporting facts as they received and understood them, so I would have to say they were not being disrespectful unless that was their intent. I recommend that if you do need to criticize anyone, it should be an academic criticism and not a personal criticism. Furthermore, you should be careful to present your critique in an academic environment where people are open-minded enough to hear you out without reacting in an unreasonable manner. If you are wrong then they should correct you and all should move on. However, I must remind you that good criticism is only possible after thorough understanding of the related issues. What you may deem incorrect, in your present state of understanding, may not have been the same in a completely different era and environment. I suggest careful analysis of the subject(s). Muslims are to revere the prophets of God equally, however it is understandable that most Muslims grow more attached to the personality of the Prophet Muhammad than other prophets. This too is fine just as long as some sort of imaginary contest does not develop in the hearts and minds of people as to who the best messenger or prophet of God is. All should be respected equally as you have correctly pointed out. Whomever told you that saying " sullallaahu alayhi wa salam ," is reserved for the Prophet is basing his/her opinion on things other than the Shari'ah . This is an inaccurate statement, you may say this or the short version after any prophet's name mentioned in the Qur'an. I cannot say with any degree of certainty when these traditions began because it is an ongoing phenomena of Eastern cultures. There is no reliable source that verifies the authority of this concept. In other words, we have nothing to validate the idea that we must say a supplication or words of benediction towards the Prophet or the Companions each and every time their name is spoken. I understand your concerns but I must reassure you that for the last 1500 years no Muslim has elevated a prophet or any of the Companions to the status of sainthood, on the basis of the benedictions following the mention of their names, as there is no such thing in Islam. If someone or a group of people, do exalt a person to that level, there is hardly a ground of doing so on the basis of the words used in these benedictions. I hope I clarified the issue God knows best Ronnie Hassan March 21, 2003