Kuala lumpur: 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 emphasized that spreading baseless allegations against the Prophet's companions is uncivilised and could lead to slander against figures highly honoured in Islam.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Fauwaz highlighted the esteemed position of Abu Bakar al-Siddiq within the Quraysh community before the arrival of Islam. Abu Bakar was entrusted with managing matters related to 'diyat' and assisting individuals burdened with debt, collecting payments to be handed over to victims' families and helping settle debts. This trust depicted him as a trustworthy and compassionate individual committed to the welfare of others.
Ahmad Fauwaz clarified that historical accounts demonstrate Abu Bakar RA was not a money lender as alleged by certain parties, but an influential figure in social welfare. His generosity was a reason for his respect before embracing Islam and later becoming one of the Prophet Muhammad SAW's closest companions.
Regarding Umar al-Khattab's life during the Jahiliyyah period, Ahmad Fauwaz mentioned that Islamic historians documented his firmness and influence within the Quraysh community, including his early opposition to Islamic propagation. He addressed the commonly circulated claim that Umar RA once buried his daughter alive, stating that credible historians and hadith scholars regard the narration as false, supported by the fact that Umar RA had a daughter, Saidatina Hafsah RA.
Ahmad Fauwaz acknowledged historical accounts of Umar RA's involvement in pre-Islamic practices such as alcohol consumption, common at that time, but stated that authentic scholarly debates do not support narratives portraying him as having immoral conduct.
He stressed the importance of honouring the Prophet's companions and rejected misrepresentations of the Jahiliyyah era that could harm their reputation. Ahmad Fauwaz urged Muslims to uphold etiquette when discussing the companions and reject unverified accusations or slander.
He outlined guidelines for speakers and preachers, recommending the use of authentic sources and recognized Ahli Sunnah wal Jamaah scholars' views when discussing Islamic history. These include respecting the companions in all forms of communication, avoiding insults or sarcasm, and refraining from presenting Jahiliyyah stories that could lead to misunderstanding.
He also emphasized verifying the authenticity of narrations before sharing stories, highlighting the need for fairness and integrity in presenting Islamic history without bias, and encouraged the use of wise and educational language when discussing historical issues involving the companions of Prophet Muhammad SAW.