The Sahaba (RA) were indeed honoured by the presence and companionship of our beloved Nabi (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). They (Sahaba) form the first most prestigious grouping from the three groupings mentioned by Nabi (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Nabi (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “The best of people are those during my time (the Sahaba) and thereafter those following them (the Taibeen) and thereafter those following them (the Tabe Tabieen)”. (Bukhari)

Hazrat Abu Qalaba (RA) – a high-ranking Tabie gives a simple definition to the three best of groupings respectively of status.
1. Whoever visited Nabi (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in the state of Iman in called a Sahabi.
2. Whoever in the state of Iman visited a Sahabi is called a Taibi.
3. Whoever in the state of Iman visited a Taibi is called a Tabe Taibe.

The esteem ranking of the above three groupings is undoubtedly and indisputably the best among the Ummah after Nabi (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Darul Ihsan Centre