Rasulullah ﷺ said, "The best people are those of my generation, and then those who will come after them (the next generation), and then those who will come after them (i.e. the next generation). " The companions were those who met Rasulullah ﷺ whilst believing in him, and have died as a Muslim.
While certain companions, such as Abu Bakr Al Siddique (RA) and Aisyah (RA), are widely recognized, there exist many others whose remarkable stories are equally inspiring but not as widely known. Today, let's explore the narratives of 10 such companions whose contributions may not be as well known but are truly uplifting.
Usamah Ibn Zaid
His father was Zaid Ibn Haritha, the adopted son of Rasulullah ﷺ and his mother was none other than Umm Ayman, too whom Rasulullah ﷺ referred to as "My Mother after my mother."
He grew up to be one of the youngest Commanders in the Muslim army and paved way for the conquest of what is today's Syria and Egypt.
Abdullah Ibn Rawaha
He was the first among the 12 people to the the first pledge of Aqabah to pledge his Allegience to Rasulullah ﷺ. He was someone who was learned, and was able to read and write. He was one of the poets of Rasulullah ﷺ as well as his scribe. He was martyred in the battle of Mu'atah.
Walid Ibn Al-Walid
He is the older brother of one of the most famous commanders of the muslim army, Khalid Ibn Walid. Walid Ibn Al-Walid was captured as an prisoner of war in the Battle of Badr, as he was a prisoner, he observed the muslims and their mannerism. After his brother Khalid ibn Walid came and paid the ransom and they both left the city, Walid Ibn Al-Walid came back to the masjid of Rasulullah ﷺ and accepted Islam.
Abu Dujana
Most famously known as the companion with the Red Bandana, He was a fierce warrior, who would tie a red bandan across his head during battle to strike fear in the enemy's heart. On the day of Uhud, Rasulullah ﷺ took out his sword and asked who will take his sword and do it justice, many companions volunteered but Rasulullah ﷺ choose Abu Dujana.
At-Tufayl Ibn Amr
Rasulullah ﷺ said "By Allah, if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels." We might not have heard of this man, but he was the head of his tribe, Danu daws. Through him, Abu Hurairah knew about Islam and accepted it. All the hadiths that Abu Hurairah narrated was in part because of this man.
Hudhayfah Ibn al-Yaman
Known as the the secret keeper of Rasulullah ﷺ. He was the only companion that Rasulullah ﷺ revealed who were the hypocrites ( Munafiq ) among them.
He would follow their activities and shielding the Muslims from the sinister danger they represented. It was a tremendous responsibility. The munafiqin acted in secrecy and because they knew all the developments and plans of the Muslims from within presented a greater threat to the community than the outright hostility of the kuffar (disbelievers).
Al Bara' Ibn Malik
Another Companion whom we know little about but his brother is none other than Anas Ibn Malik. One of the top narrators of Hadiths.
There was an incident in one of the wars where the enemy had thrown hot iron hooks which latched onto the body of Anas. Al Bara' jumped in and unhocked the hooks with his bare hands burning it completely. He was later martyred in the battle.
Anas Ibn Malik later grew to be around 100 plus years old and one of the last companions of Rasulullah ﷺ to pass away. Imagine what we would not have known of the religion if not for Al Bara' saving his brother on that day.
As’ad Ibn Zurara
He was the first among the 12 people to the the first pledge of Aqabah to pledge his Allegience to Rasulullah ﷺ.
He was one of the respected leaders back in Yathrib. He was the first man to publicly break idols back in Yathrib. He died however not too long after the Hijrah and is said to be the first or second person to be buried in Al - Baqi, the graveyard in Madinah.
Umm Ma’bad
She was a Bedouin who encountered Rasulullah ﷺ while en route to Madinah during the Hijrah, accompanied by Abu Bakr Al Siddique and Amir Ibn Fuhairah, their guide.
Because of her vivid portrayal of Rasulullah ﷺ to her husband, we find the most exquisite depiction of our Beloved.
"I saw a man of visible radiance and purity, beautiful appearance, bright faced, with neither protruding ribs nor a small head, handsome and fair. His eyes were deep black and large, and his eyelashes were lush.
His voice was mellow and soft. The whiteness of his eyes was bright and his pupils were very black. His eyebrows were beautifully arched and connected. His neck was long, his beard densely full.
When he was silent, he appeared dignified. When he spoke, he was eminent and crowned with magnificence. His speech was sweet, his words precise, neither too little nor too much. Like a string of pearls flowing down gradually.
He was the most striking and beautiful of people when seen from afar and the fairest of them when seen up close. He was medium height, neither unagreeably tall nor scornfully short; a branch between two branches. Among the three he was the most radiant in appearance, the finest of them in stature.
He was surrounded by companions. When he spoke, they listened attentively. When he gave orders, they hastened to fulfil them. Honoured, served and surrounded by followers. He neither frowned, nor criticised".
Ashama Ibn Abjar ( Najashi )
While not technically a Sahaba (as Najashi did not meet Rasulullah ﷺ despite living during his time), he was a just and fair king of Abyssinia. e refused to give up the muslims who came from mecca to escape prosecution. He secretly embraced Islam and protected the Muslim for over 10 years. Upon his passing, Rasulullah ﷺ performed Salat al-Gha'ib, the absentee jenezah, the only time Rasulullah ﷺ prayed that prayer. Many scholars consider Najashi as the best Tabi'e, a group that didn't meet Rasulullah ﷺ but met the companions.
May we draw inspiration from these amazing companions and strive to emulate their ways. May we hear their incredible stories and journeys directly from them in Jannah. Ameen!