COMPANIONS OF THE PROPHET

Arabic Sahabah, or Ashab, in Islam, followers of Muhammad who had personal contact with him, however slight. In fact, any Muslim who was alive in any part of the Prophet's lifetime and saw him may be reckoned among the Companions. The first four caliphs, who are the sahabah held in highest esteem among Sunnite Muslims, are part of a group of 10 Companions to whom Muhammad promised paradise. The muhajirun (those who followed the Prophet from Mecca to Medina), the ansar (the Medinese believers), and the badriyun (those who fought at the Battle of Badr) are all considered Companions of the Prophet. There are differing accounts of who belonged to the various groups. The Companions, being eyewitnesses, are the most important sources of Hadith, the record of Muhammad's sayings and activities. Shi'ite Muslims disregard the sahabah, whom they consider responsible for the loss of the caliphate by the family of 'Ali.