From the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the ummah faced various trials and tribulations. Some related to the kuffaar who were bent on destroying and demolishing the structures of Islam, whilst others related to the munaafiqeen who persistently and relentlessly worked towards creating doubts and confusion among the Muslims. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) defended Islam and taught the ummah the manner in which they should contend with such problems.

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) are the forerunners in Deen and were blessed to receive Deen directly from Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hence, they are the medium between the ummah and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Allah Ta‘ala thus used them for the preservation of the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the knowledge of Deen. Since they were responsible for conveying the knowledge of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah to the ummah, one can understand that the entire superstructure of Deen rests on the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). If one removes the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) from the equation, nothing of Deen will remain protected and safeguarded as the authenticity of the Qur’aan and the reliability of the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) will be totally lost. Hence, it is the ploy of the shias to defame, revile, criticize and discredit the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) in order to destroy the entire Deen of Islam.

The Qur’aan Majeed and Mubaarak Ahaadith are replete with the praises of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum). In the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala praised them to such an extent that Allah Ta‘ala made their Imaan the benchmark of success. Allah Ta‘ala says:

فَاِنۡ اٰمَنُوۡا بِمِثۡلِ مَاۤ اٰمَنۡتُمۡ بِہٖ فَقَدِ اہۡتَدَوۡا ۚ

So if they (the people) believe as you (O Sahaabah) have believed, then indeed they are on the right path.

In many places of the Qur’aan Majeed, Allah Ta‘ala has declared His Divine pleasure and happiness with the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) by saying رضي الله عنهم ورضوا عنه (Allah Ta‘ala is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him). This honour of receiving the Divine pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala, which the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had received in this very world, is the honour which the people of Jannah will receive after entering Jannah.

The distinguishing characteristic of Islam, compared to all other religions of the past, is the aspect of authenticity and reliability. Every detail of Islam has been accurately and precisely preserved from the very inception of wahi (revelation) up to this day.

Fourteen centuries have passed, yet the Holy Qur’aan has remained to this day in its original form without the minutest alteration. Let alone a verse of the Qur’aan Majeed, not even a single letter has been distorted or changed. Furthermore, its preservation is not limited to the scrolls and pages; instead it is securely safeguarded in the recesses of the hearts of even little children of this ummah, and this preservation will remain until Qiyaamah.

How could it not be so, when Allah Ta‘ala Himself has taken the divine onus and responsibility of protecting and preserving the Shari‘ah of Islam till the end of time? Allah Ta‘ala states:

اِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا الذِّکۡرَ وَ اِنَّا لَہٗ لَحٰفِظُوۡنَ ﴿۹﴾

Indeed We are the Ones who have sent down the Zikr (the Qur’aan Majeed), and We will surely protect it. (Surah Hijr v. 9)