Companions of the Prophet (redirected from Sahaba)

Companions of the Prophet

 Arabic Sahaba or Ashab

Followers of Muhammad who had personal contact with him, including any Muslim contemporary who saw him. As eyewitnesses, they are the most important sources of Hadith. Sunnite Muslims regard the first four caliphs (among the 10 Companions to whom Muhammad promised paradise) as the most important. Shi'ite Muslims disregard the Companions, whom they consider responsible for the loss of the caliphate by the family of 'Ali.