The Ten Promised Paradise: An Introduction – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
This is the first in a series of articles based on the On-Demand Course The Ten Promised Paradise: Life and Lessons. Known for their unwavering commitment to Islam and their close companionship with the Prophet, their righteousness has earned them a special place in Islamic history.
The Ten Promised Paradise are a group of companions (Allah be pleased with them) of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) explicitly promised Paradise in a single hadith.
This topic might seem distant amidst the practical, painful challenges of our times, but understanding their lives remains profoundly relevant. The companions were the closest followers of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and faced some of the most challenging trials in history. Their responses serve as timeless examples of how to embody faith, live prophetic teachings, and uphold virtue during tribulations. This article explores the significance of their lives and their relevance as models of faith and devotion.
Why Focus on the Companions?
- Their Testing Times as a Guide for Us
The Prophets of Allah were tested severely, and no one experienced greater tests than the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Likewise, his companions endured immense trials. Their lives are critical for understanding how ordinary people can embody the Sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Their lives provide us with a practical, achievable example of how to navigate life’s challenges with faith, sincerity, and resilience.
- The Value of Learning Biographies
Islam places a strong emphasis on learning from the lives of the righteous. Allah (Most High) mentions stories of past peoples in the Quran to teach us both virtue and caution against moral failure. The lives of the companions illustrate how to uphold faith under immense pressure, unlike the failures of nations such as Pharaoh, ‘Ad, and Thamud, who succumbed to arrogance and disobedience.
This tradition of valuing biographies was upheld by early Muslim scholars. Sufyan Thawri famously said, “The stories of the righteous are an army of the armies of God by which He strengthens the hearts of believers.” Even Imam Abu Hanifa, known for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence, declared that moments spent reflecting on the lives of the righteous were more beloved to him than hours spent in Fiqh.
- Living Examples of Commitment and Truthfulness
The companions’ unwavering commitment to Allah (Most High) and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) serves as a powerful inspiration. The Quran honors them with verses such as:
“Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Some have fulfilled their vow [to the death], and others are [still] waiting. But they have never changed [their determination] in the least.” [Quran, 33:23]
A remarkable testimony to their integrity is that no companion of the Prophet was ever proven to have lied about him. This truthfulness was instrumental in preserving the religion, ensuring that future generations could trust their accounts of the Prophet’s words and actions.
Four Key Goals of Learning About the Companions
- Knowledge of Their Lives
Understanding the lives of the companions, particularly the “Ten Promised Paradise,” deepens our connection with their legacy. These companions include luminaries like Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and others (Allah be pleased with them). Each of their lives has been documented in rich detail, providing us with invaluable insights into faith in practice.
- Appreciating the Importance of Biographies
The companions’ lives serve as mirrors reflecting the beauty of Islamic virtues. Their stories illuminate values like courage, generosity, humility, and patience. They are living embodiments of the principles Allah loves.
- Inspiration to Emulate Their Commitment
The companions’ steadfastness inspires us to strengthen our own resolve to live as true Muslims. They demonstrate what it means to fulfill a covenant with Allah in both easy and difficult times, reminding us that faith requires effort, sacrifice, and sincerity.
- Practical Examples of Virtue
Through their lives, we see virtues like honesty, compassion, and devotion exemplified. These qualities aren’t abstract; they were lived out in real circumstances by real people. This gives us confidence that we, too, can strive for these virtues in our own lives.
To truly benefit from the companions’ lives, we must commit ourselves to learning about them. This journey begins with the Prophet Muhammad’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) life and naturally extends to those who walked with him. Scholars often recommend works like Hayat al-Sahaba (The Lives of the Companions) by Sheikh Yusuf Kandahlawi, which beautifully captures the spirit of their lives.
As the scholars say, “Whoever is granted intention has been granted acceptance.” When you hear of a good deed or a noble example, start with intention. Begin with small steps—perhaps by reading the biography of one companion. Over time, this knowledge will transform your understanding of faith and inspire you to embody the prophetic way in your own life.
The Significance of the Companions in Islam: A Reflection
Understanding the companions of Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) is a key aspect of appreciating the beauty and depth of Islam. When we learn about their lives and virtues, it not only enriches our knowledge but inspires us to emulate their faith, character, and dedication. Scholars emphasize that when we hear about the virtues of these great individuals, we should make an intention: “O Allah, grant me knowledge about the companions and their lives.” A quick, sincere supplication can open doors to actively learning and applying their examples in our lives.
The First Step: Learning About the Companions
One practical way to begin this journey is to reflect on the companions’ significance. Start by reading the biography of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), as their lives are deeply intertwined with his. Make a plan to study their stories, perhaps by obtaining books dedicated to their virtues and sacrifices. The companions’ unparalleled status stems from their role as the best generation of believers, as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“The best of generations is my generation, then those who follow them, and then those who follow them.”
Moreover, Allah (Most High) affirms in the Quran:
“You are the best community ever raised for mankind.” [Quran, 3:110]
This verse highlights their qualities of virtue and the mission they embodied: to guide humanity by exemplifying sincerity, good character, and faith.
The Virtues of the Companions
The companions were chosen by Allah to accompany His final Messenger. Their unique virtues stem from their complete dedication to Allah and their Prophet. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) explained this divine selection when he said:
“Allah looked upon His creation and selected the Arabs. From the Arabs, He chose Quraysh, and from Quraysh, He selected Banu Hashim. I am the best of the best of the best.”
This selection was not based on racial superiority but on virtues pleasing to Allah. The Arabs, despite their lack of political and economic power, possessed qualities like humility, generosity, and loyalty. These attributes enabled them to receive and propagate the divine message.
The companions embodied the virtues described in the Quran:
“You enjoin what is good, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah.” [Quran, 3:110]
Their commitment to commanding good, avoiding wrongdoing, and maintaining a profound connection with Allah is why they are the standard for believers to follow.
The Ten Companions Promised Paradise
Among the many companions, ten were explicitly promised Paradise by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in a single narration. These companions (Allah be pleased with them), known as al-‘Ashara al-Mubashara, include:
- Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
- Umar ibn al-Khattab
- Uthman ibn Affan
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Talha ibn Ubaydullah
- Zubair ibn al-Awwam
- Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf
- Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas
- Sa’id ibn Zayd
- Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah
The promise of Paradise for these companions reflects their unmatched faith and sacrifices for Islam. However, this promise is not limited to them. All believers who die in a state of faith are promised Paradise, as mentioned in the hadith:
“Whoever’s last words are La ilaha illallah will enter Paradise.”
A Reminder for Believers
Faith is the key to success in the Hereafter. While saying La ilaha illallah at the moment of death is an indicator of a good end, it is not an absolute requirement. The state of faith at the time of death is what matters most. Scholars advise mentioning the testimony of faith in the presence of a dying person gently and without insistence, as forcing it may create unnecessary tension.
While many other companions were also promised Paradise, the inclusion of these ten in a single narration underscores their exemplary status.
The Universality of Faith
The companions’ ultimate guarantee of Paradise stems from their faith. As the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Whoever’s last words are ‘La ilaha illa Allah’ will enter Paradise.”
Faith, sincerity, and striving in Allah’s cause were their defining traits.
Allah’s Eternal Pleasure
The Quran declares Allah’s pleasure with the companions, particularly during pivotal moments such as the Pledge of Ridwan. Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them.” [Quran, 48:18]
This divine pleasure is not fleeting; it signifies Allah’s eternal approval of their faith and actions. For these companions, their steadfastness under immense trials and their unwavering loyalty to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) earned them this unique distinction.
The Virtue of Paradise Yearning
The companions not only strove for Allah’s pleasure but lived lives that caused even paradise to yearn for their presence. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned specific companions whose sacrifices were so immense that paradise awaited them with longing. For instance, the Prophet said:
“Paradise is yearning for Ammar.”
This statement underscores how their taqwa (God-consciousness) and dedication elevated them to unparalleled ranks in the sight of Allah.
Women Promised Paradise
It is important to recognize the incredible women among the Prophet’s companions, whose devotion and character earned them places in paradise.
- Fatima bint Muhammad (Allah be pleased with her): The Prophet said about his beloved daughter, “Fatima is a part of me.” She embodied the character and conduct of her father, as attested by Aisha (Allah be pleased with her), who said, “I never saw anyone closer in demeanor and guidance to the Messenger of Allah than Fatima.”
- Maryam, the Mother of Isa (peace be upon him): While her prophethood remains debated among scholars, her devotion and sacrifices stand as a testament to her unparalleled rank.
- Asiya, the Wife of Pharaoh: Her unwavering faith despite immense oppression is immortalized in the Quran.
The contributions and virtues of these women emphasize that the promise of paradise extends beyond gender, highlighting the spiritual equality and meritocracy of Islam.
The Ranking of the Companions
Islamic scholars have extensively studied and established the relative rankings of the companions, particularly those among the ten promised paradise. According to tradition:
- The four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—are the most virtuous.
- They are followed by the remaining six companions of the Ashara Mubashara.
These rankings reflect their critical roles in preserving and advancing the faith after the Prophet’s passing. The Prophet himself said:
“The best of generations is my generation.”
Virtue Beyond the Ten
Beyond the Ashara Mubashara, numerous companions—both men and women—were promised paradise for their faith and deeds. These include martyrs, early converts, and those who made immense sacrifices for Islam. Notable examples include Jafar ibn Abi Talib, who was martyred in battle and granted “wings in paradise,” and others who demonstrated exceptional piety.
The companions are a marvel of divine wisdom, chosen to support the Prophet and establish the foundation of the Muslim community. Studying their lives is not just a historical exercise; it is a means of drawing closer to Allah, gaining practical lessons for life, and strengthening our faith.
Let us make the intention to learn about these noble individuals and strive to embody their virtues. As we do so, we honor their legacy and the profound message they carried for humanity.
The upcoming articles in this series will give insight into the lives of each of The Ten Promised Paradise.
