Some of the Verses that Praise and Criticize the Ashab/Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet)

According to a narration, it is stated that the Companions are like the stars in the sky. It is stated that whichever one of them is followed, will be guided to the guidance. However, according to the Qur’an, what we are ordered to do is to follow only the revelation (wahy) (al-Anam [6] 50). As there are verses in the Qur’an in which the Companions are praised, there are also verses in which they are severely criticized. It’s not possible that any community is seen as sacred, faultless or superhuman.

“You are the best community evolved for mankind…” (Al Imran [3] 110).

“That’s how we wanted you to be a balanced community so that you could be an example and a model for humanity…” (al-Baqara [2] 143).

“And the first to lead the way, of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who followed them in goodness – Allah is well pleased with them and they are well pleased with Him…” (at-Tawba [9] 100).

“…They seek God’s grace and approval; They help Allah and His Messenger. Here are the right ones.” (al-Hashr [59] 8).

“…They prefer others over themselves, even though they are very needy…” (al-Hashr [59] 9).

(Also see for example Al Imran [3] 172, 173; al-Anfal [8] 74).

“…After Allah had shown you the victory you desired, you relaxed and quarreled over the (messenger’s) order and rebelled …” (Al-i Imran [3] 152).

“And among those around you of the bedouins are hypocrites, and [also] from the people of Madinah. They have become accustomed to hypocrisy. You, [O Muhammad], do not know them, [but] We know them…” (at-Tawba [9] 101).

“Surely, those who slander are a group of you.” (an-Nur [24] 11).

“If there had been no prior legal permission from Allah, a terrible disaster would have been inevitable for you because of what you have captured.” (al-Anfal [8] 68).

“But when they saw some commercial interest or entertainment, they rushed towards it and left you standing (talking)…” (al-Jumua [62] 11).

(Also see for example al-Ahzab [33] 53; al-Anfal [8] 5-6; al-Hashr [59] 7; al-Hujurat [49] 6; an-Nisa [4] 105).