The Sahaba Kiram (The Companions)

Imam Rabbani (QS), stated in one of his letters:

Each sect, from the seventy-three claim that they are the true followers of the Shari’ah and they firmly believe that they are among the group to spared from the blaze. In an Ayah, it states: “Each group rejoicing in its circle.” (Surah Rum, 32) bear witness to their conditions. As for the evidence regarding the separation of Firqah Al-Najiyah from the corrupt sects, Our Prophet (pbuh) quoted: They are those who follow the way which I and my companions follow.” Even though it was enough to state the name of the sahib al-shari’ah (pbuh) the names of the sahabah were also mentioned in the hadith. This may come to mean: “My path is exactly the path of my sahabah.” Also, “salvation relies upon following the path of my sahabah and by no other means”. Actually, Allah Ta’ala says: “He who follows the Prophet has followed Allah; but those who avert – We have not sent you over them as a custodian.” Thus, obedience to the Prophet is precisely obedience to Allah Ta’ala and to contradict him is precisely contradicting Allah.

Allah Ta’ala mentions a group who falsely believed that obeying Allah is unconnected from obeying the Prophet. Allah Ta’ala notifies us that they are disbelievers: “and they want to discriminate between Allah and His prophets and say: ‘We believe in some and disbelieve in others.’” (Surah Al-Nisa, Ayah 150)

In summary, the claim of following Our Prophet (pbuh) without following the path of the companions is a false claim. Indeed, this sort of an ittiba’ is exactly opposing the Prophet (pbuh). How is it possible, How, then, can we hope for salvation with this fallen faith? The verse that translates as “and they think that they are (upright) on something, unquestionably it is they who are the deceivers.” (Surah Mujadalah-18) is outlining their conditions. Undoubtedly, the community which believe in the requirement of adhering to the ways of the companions is Ahli-Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah. May Allah accept the efforts of scholars of Ahli Sunnah.  They are the sect to be immune to the hellfire (Firqah Al-Najiyyah).

(Maktubati Imam Rabbani, vol.1, letter 80)