The Prophet (SAW) named ten of his companions and gave them glad tidings of Paradise in their own lifetime. They are known as al-Ashara al-Mubashshara, the ten given glad tidings.
Narrated by Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3747, graded sahih by al-Albani. A second narration from Sa'id ibn Zayd appears at Tirmidhi 3748.
1. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
The First Caliph
The Prophet (SAW) closest friend and the first free man to accept Islam. In the early days, he devoted himself to supporting the Prophet (SAW) and spreading the message of Islam. He gave his entire wealth for the deen, accompanied the Prophet in the cave during the Hijrah, and held the ummah together after his passing.
2. Umar ibn al-Khattab
Al-Faruq (The one who distinguishes between right and wrong)
His acceptance of Islam strengthened the Muslims openly in Makkah. Following the loss of many huffaz in battle, he advocated for compiling the scattered written scriptures of the Quran into a single book format. As Caliph, he was known for strict justice, holding himself accountable above all others, and ruling an expanding state while wearing patched clothes.
3. Uthman ibn Affan
Dhun-Nurayn (Possessor of the Two Lights)
He earned his title by marrying two daughters of the Prophet (SAW), Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum. He funded the army for the Expedition of Tabuk and purchased the Well of Ruma to provide free water to the Muslims of Madinah. Under his caliphate, he commissioned the standardized compilation of the Quran sent to all Islamic provinces. The standard copies we recite today.
4. Ali ibn Abi Talib
The Fourth Caliph and Cousin of Prophet (SAW)
Raised in the Prophet's (SAW) household, Ali (RA) was among the first children to accept Islam. He courageously slept in the Prophet's (SAW) bed on the night of the Hijrah, carried the banner at the Battle of Khaybar, and was renowned for his exceptional wisdom, justice, and knowledge. He was married to the Prophet’s (SAW) daughter, Fatima (AS).
5. Talha ibn Ubaydullah
The Generous
At the Battle of Uhud he shielded the Prophet (SAW) with his own body, and his hand was left paralysed defending him. The Prophet (SAW) called him a “martyr walking on the earth.”
6. Zubayr ibn al-Awwam
The Disciple of the Prophet (SAW)
He was among the earliest to embrace Islam at around fifteen years old, facing severe torture from his uncle for his faith. He was the first companion to draw a sword in defence of Islam. The Prophet (SAW) said every prophet has a disciple, and his was Zubayr.
7. Abdur Rahman ibn Awf
The Merchant
He arrived in Madinah penniless after leaving his wealth behind in Makkah. When offered half of his Ansar brother's wealth, he politely declined and asked only to be guided to the marketplace. He rebuilt his fortune and gave it away in charity again and again.
8. Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
The First to Shoot an Arrow in Islam
He was the first person to shoot an arrow in the path of Allah. The Prophet (SAW) prayed for his supplications to always be answered, and he later led the Muslim army to victory at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah.
9. Sa'id ibn Zayd
An Early Believer
He and his wife Fatimah (the sister of Umar ibn al-Khattab) accepted Islam early in secret. It was in their home that Umar (RA) first heard the recitation of Suarah Taha, leading to his historic conversion.
10. Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah
The Trustworthy of This Ummah
The Prophet (SAW) said every nation has a trustworthy one, and the trustworthy one of this ummah is Abu Ubaydah. He led the Muslims in Syria and passed away during the Plague of Amwas.
