We glorify Allah and ask blessings and salutations of peace for the noble Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his companions and those who follow him in upholding the cause of the right religion.
It was in the year 1353 A.H. that an eminent Sheikh, who is my patron and for whom I have every respect, enjoined me to compile a book containing stories of the companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), with special reference to the Faith and Practices of the women and children of his time. The main idea underlying this behest was that Muslim mothers, while going to bed at night, instead of telling myths and fables to their children, may narrate to them such real and true tales of the golden age of Islam that would create in them an Islamic spirit of love and esteem for Sahabah, and thereby improve their ‘Imaan’; and the proposed book may, thus, be a useful substitute for the current story books. It became essential for me to comply with the desire of the Sheikh, for, besides being under moral debt and obligation to him for his immense beneficence, I consider the goodwill of such godly people to be the source of success in this world and the Hereafter. I knew my shortcomings and difficulties and, therefore, had been postponing the execution of this work for four years, when in Safar 1357 A.H., it so happened that I was advised by the doctors to suspend my regular duty of teaching for some time. I decided to utilize this period of rest for complying with the long-standing desire of the Sheikh, with the belief that even if my attempt did not come up to his expectation, it would anyhow be a pleasant engagement for me and one likely to bring me spiritual blessings, in addition. It is an admitted fact that the stories of the godly people deserve to be studied rather deeply, in order to derive proper benefit from them. This is more important in case of Sahabah, who were chosen by Allah for the company of His beloved and our dear Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). Their stories not only serve as a beacon of Faith and Practice but also cause Allah’s blessings and mercy to descend on the readers. Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmatullah alaih), a head of the Sufees, once said:
“Stories of the pious and godly are Allah’s special devices, which encourage the hearts of those who strive in His Path.”
Somebody inquired of Junaid (Rahmatullah alaih) if he could cite something in support of his statement. He replied: “Yes. Allah has said in His Book- “And all that we relate unto thee of the stories of the messengers is in order that thereby We may make the heart firm. And herein hath come unto thee the Truth and an exhortation and a reminder for believers.” (XI: 1 2 0) One cannot lay too much stress on the point that whether these be the sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) or the stories of other God-fearing people, or the books on Islamic practices, or the epistles and written discourses of the saints, it is not enough to go through them once only, but they have to be studied over and over again in order to derive proper benefit from them.
Abu Sulaiman Darani (Rahmatullah alaih), a famous Saint, writes: “I attended a discourse by a Sheikh at his residence. It had some effect on me, but only till the time that I rose from the meeting. I went to his audience for the second time to listen to his discourse, and this time the effect remained with me till I reached my home. When I visited him for the third time, the effect of his discourse stayed with me even after reaching home. Then I broke the shackles that had kept me away from Allah, and set out on His path to seek His pleasure.”
Such is the case with religious books. A cursory reading of these seldom produces the desired effect, and a frequent and thorough study thereof is therefore necessary. For the convenience of the readers, and to interest them, I have divided this book into the following twelve chapters together with an epilogue.
Chapter I Steadfastness in the face of hardships.
Chapter II Fear of Allah.
Chapter III Abstinence and Contentment.
Chapter IV Piety and Scrupulousness.
Chapter V Devotion to Salaat.
Chapter VI Sympathy and Self-sacrifice and spending in the path of Allah.
Chapter VII Valour and Heroism.
Chapter VIII Zeal for knowledge.
Chapter IX Ready Compliance with the Prophet’s Wishes.
Chapter X The Women’s love of Faith and their Courage.
Chapter XI The Children’s Devotion to Islam.
Chapter XII Love and Devotion for the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).
The Epilogue: Sahabah’s Virtues and Privileges.