Author: Abul-Hussein

Reference: Seerah an-Nabi, Shibli Nu’man

Produced by: Al-Translators

With little doubt for the Muslim the first generation of the Ummah of Muhammad (saw) is a model generation, worthy of imitation and the foundation of understanding and practice. The rationale for situating the first generation as a model generation is grounded in the fact that they accompanied revelation and accompanied the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (saw). This privilege afforded them an understanding of how Islam is practiced, of its objectives and aims. Their understanding of knowledge was one which forged a jam’at out of a scattered people and that jam’at acting upon the principles they acquired by way of learning.

There are some qualities that the inner-circle of possessed that are necessary to come to know if we are to correct our orientation and practice. These qualities are as follows. The first generation of Islam, in specific, those who first ascented to the Prophethood of Muhammad (believing in its validity) were people in search of truth and people of character. Secondly, they were people who had issues with the worship of idols and thirdly they were people who restrained themselves from blind love of the world plus they were devoid of status.

It was these qualities the qualities of a core sound belief, good manners and discipline in relation to the world that set the foundation for their Islam. So that the orientation they possessed before their commitment to practice Islam was one which allowed the depth and breadth of Islam to penetrate their belief, manners and actions. The Qur’an transformed that group because they allowed themselves to be fertile ground for its teachings and guidance. The disposition of the Companions who converted to Islam was one of acceptance, understanding and action. It was because of this disposition that they benefited from revelation and then transformed and benefited the world while transforming and benefiting themselves.