How can we even come close to the pleasure of having the companionship and conversation of Rasulullah (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam) when we live so far in time, culture, and place from him?

Through the companionship and conversation of those who have carried the lived traditions of Rasulullah (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam) and the entire written knowledge of the religion since his time – through our teachers, the scholars and mashaykh of our times.

Would we sit, talk, and behave the way we do with others if we had been in the company of Rasulullah (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam)?

No. The knowledge that has been passed through the chain is no different and therefore we should try our best to approach it with the same kind of care, utmost respect, and patience that companions of Rasulullah (ṣall Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-sallam) have insha’Allah.

~~~

Righteous companions help make our personal mujadaha (to learn the deen, to make astaghfar, to gain control over our nafs, and to stay away from sins) easier. Righteous companions make it easier for us in our lifelong struggle to attain uboodiyah – to become slaves of Allah Ta’aala, rather than slaves of our nafs. Righteous companions are a blessing from Allah Ta’aala. Our scholars and mashaykh are blessings from Allah Ta’aala. Through them, we are able to connect to ever deeper, broader, more wholistic levels of understanding of our deen – alhamdulillah.

Alhamdulillah for this beautiful living tradition… Alhamdulillah for this beautiful deen of guidance.