Upholding the Rights and Honor of the Companions – Following the Way of the Sahabah in Islam | Tarbiyah Islamiyah 01-06 | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

In this session of Tarbiyah Islamiyah 01-06, Shaykh Ibrahim Zidan explores one of the central themes of Islamic creed and education — the rights of the Companions (Sahabah) and the obligation to love, respect, and defend them. These noble individuals were chosen by Allah to accompany the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to transmit his message to later generations.

Allah has explicitly praised the Sahabah in the Qur’an:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves.”
(Surah Al-Fath 48:29 – quran.com/48/29)

Loving the companions and following their understanding of the religion is an integral part of faith. Speaking negatively about them contradicts the direction of the Qur’an, where Allah commands believers never to criticize a people whom He has praised.

“And the first forerunners [in faith] among the Muhajirun and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:100 – quran.com/9/100)

This verse establishes that following the Sahabah’s understanding is not optional but fundamental. Any attempt to diminish their standing ultimately weakens the foundation through which Islam reached us — the Qur’an and Sunnah, transmitted through their trustworthy efforts.

All companions are deemed just and trustworthy (ʿudūl). The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Do not revile my companions, for if one of you were to spend gold equal to Uhud in charity, it would not equal a handful of what they gave, or even half of it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3673 – sunnah.com/bukhari:3673)

This hadith highlights their unmatched rank and contribution. The generation that carried and preserved Islam deserves immense respect. Thus, believers must avoid delving into historical disputes or criticizing their actions.

The Prophet ﷺ forewarned that the ummah would experience divisions and gave clear guidance to remain upon his path and that of the rightly guided caliphs:

“I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs after me. Hold fast to it with your molar teeth.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 4607 – sunnah.com/abudawud:4607)

The way to salvation and unity is by adhering to Revelation through their understanding. This ensures protection from deviation and sectarianism.

1. Love and Loyalty: Loving the companions is part of loving the Prophet ﷺ. Hating or insulting them endangers one’s faith.

2. Trust in Transmission: The Companions are reliable transmitters of the Qur’an and Sunnah; their righteousness is confirmed by Allah.

3. Avoid Contention: Refrain from discussing past disputes among them.

4. Follow Their Faith: Success lies in following the Qur’an and Sunnah according to their interpretation.

Conclusion: The companions (Sahabah) are the spiritual foundation of this ummah. Upholding their honor safeguards our connection to the authentic teachings of Islam. As the Prophet ﷺ guided, steadfastness upon his Sunnah and the way of his Companions ensures unity, purity of faith, and salvation.

Comparative Study of Tafsir Books: Al-Jalalayn & Al-Shawkani’s Fath al-Qadir | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

The study of Tafsir (Quranic exegesis) is vital in unlocking the layers of meaning, guidance, and linguistic beauty of the Qur'an. In this session of Tafsir 01-06, Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin introduces the audience to two influential works in Tafsir: Tafsir al-Jalalayn and Fath al-Qadir by Imam al-Shawkani, contrasting their approaches and value for students and scholars alike.

Imam Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli (d. 864H) began Tafsir al-Jalalayn, and Jalal ad-Din al-Suyuti (d. 911H) completed it. This work is renowned for its concise explanations and its reliance on transmitted reports from the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (as-salaf). The authors gathered narrations from major Hadith collections, such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, when clarifying verses of the Qur'an.

However, a key point for students is that al-Jalalayn does not always verify the authenticity of these reports. The importance of grading Hadith is highlighted in the sciences, distinguishing between authentic (sahih), sound (hasan), and weak (da'if) narrations, a principle underscored in the Qur'an itself:

"O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with news, investigate..." (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:6 – quran.com/49/6)

A similar emphasis is found in the Prophet’s ﷺ approach to reporting.

"It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar by conveying everything he hears." (Sahih Muslim 5 – sunnah.com/muslim:5)

Contemporary scholars continue efforts to authenticate and clarify Hadith within classical Tafsir books.

The second major work discussed is Fath al-Qadir by Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Shawkani (d. 1250H). Al-Shawkani approaches Tafsir with linguistic rigor, examining the grammar, recitation (qira'at), and the context of each ayah (verse). He evaluates scholarly differences among jurists and linguists and often selects the view supported by evidence.

Al-Shawkani’s method refutes deviant opinions, argues for salafi perspectives, and regularly chooses the strongest, most authentic interpretations. By analyzing the language of verses, he foregrounds the primary sources of Islam:

"And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to remember..." (Surah Al-Qamar 54:17 – quran.com/54/17)

• Transmission vs. Verification: Al-Jalalayn compiles many reports, but does not always verify them. Modern editorship involves grading reports and clarifying weak or authentic narrations.

• Linguistic and Analytical Evaluation: Fath al-Qadir stands out for its in-depth linguistic analysis, grammar, and juristic reasoning, opting for positions with the strongest evidence.

Students are encouraged to compare the methodologies of these books and review the authenticity and nuances of each. This enhances one's understanding of the Qur’an and deepens respect for the scholarly tradition.

Conclusion: Comparing classical and analytical Tafsir helps cultivate a holistic appreciation for the Qur’an’s timeless wisdom rooted in authentic transmission and rigorous linguistic analysis.