Federal Territories Mufti Urges Respectful Discourse On Prophet's Companions

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Statements insulting the companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW are serious accusations that should not be made recklessly, said Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil

He said spreading baseless allegations against the Prophet’s companions is uncivilised and could lead to slander against figures highly honoured in Islam.

According to him, the position of Abu Bakar al-Siddiq within the Quraysh community before the arrival of Islam was noble and highly respected.

“He was entrusted with managing matters related to ‘diyat’ and assisting individuals burdened with debt. This responsibility included collecting ‘diyat’ payments to be handed over to victims’ families and helping to settle the debts of those facing financial hardship.

“This great trust demonstrates that Saidina Abu Bakar RA was regarded as a trustworthy, generous and compassionate individual who cared deeply for the welfare of others,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Fauwaz said the historical accounts clearly show that Abu Bakar RA was not a money lender as alleged by certain parties, but rather an influential figure within the Quraysh community who played a significant role in social welfare and helping those in need.

He added that Abu Bakar’s generosity was among the reasons he was respected before embracing Islam and later became one of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

On the life of Umar al-Khattab during the Jahiliyyah period, Ahmad Fauwaz said Islamic historians had documented his firmness, courage and influence within the Quraysh community, including his early opposition to Islamic propagation before converting to Islam.

He said among the commonly circulated stories was the claim that Umar RA once buried his daughter alive, but many historians and hadith scholars have stated that the narration lacks credible basis and is regarded as false.

“This is further supported by the fact that Saidina Umar RA himself had a daughter, Saidatina Hafsah RA, which demonstrates that the allegation is unfounded,” he said.

Ahmad Fauwaz added that some historical accounts did mention Umar RA’s involvement in pre-Islamic Arab practices such as consuming alcohol, as such behaviour was common in society at the time.

“However, authentic scholarly and historical debates do not support narrations portraying him as an adulterer or as having such immoral conduct,” he said.

He stressed that Prophet Muhammad SAW greatly honoured his companions and that it was therefore inappropriate to portray events from the Jahiliyyah era in ways that could tarnish their reputation or create slander.

Ahmad Fauwaz urged Muslims to uphold proper etiquette when discussing the Prophet’s companions and to reject accusations or slander not grounded in verified facts.

He also outlined several guidelines for speakers and preachers when discussing the companions of the Prophet SAW, including referring to authentic sources and recognised views of Ahli Sunnah wal Jamaah scholars in understanding Islamic history.

Among the recommendations were maintaining respect and honour for the companions in speeches, writings and presentations by avoiding insults, ridicule, accusations or sarcasm directed at any companion, and refraining from presenting stories from the Jahiliyyah period in ways that could lead to misunderstanding or slander.

He also stressed the importance of verifying the authenticity of narrations before sharing stories related to the companions, especially accounts that are sensational or controversial.

In addition, he called for fairness and integrity in presenting Islamic history without being influenced by hatred or vested interests, while encouraging the use of wise, educational and appropriate language when discussing historical issues involving the companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

-- BERNAMA