and Allah Himself chose them to be the Prophet’s Companions.

Allah says, “Allah was certainly pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you beneath the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with a near victory” (48:18). He, exalted is He, also says:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are stern against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking bounty from Allah and His good pleasure. The mark of prostration is on their faces. Such is their description in the Torah; and their description in the Gospel is like a seed that sends forth its shoot, then strengthens it, so it becomes stout and stands firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers, so that through them He may enrage the disbelievers. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness and a tremendous reward” (48:29).

The Companions are the best of all generations, for the Prophet said, “The best of generations is my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them.” They are the best generation by virtue of their companionship with the Prophet; loving them is faith, while hating them is hypocrisy. Allah the Exalted said, “so that through them He may enrage the disbelievers” (48:29).

It is therefore incumbent upon every Muslim to love all the Companions—by explicit textual proof—for Allah loves them, the Prophet loved them, they strove in Allah’s cause, spread Islam to the farthest east and west, and supported