Sahab

Sahab is a term of Arabic origin that carries significant meaning within Islamic tradition. It is commonly translated as "companion" or "associate" and refers to the individuals who were contemporaries of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and who believed in him. These companions played a crucial role in the early development and spread of Islam.

The Sahaba are highly revered by Muslims, particularly Sunni Muslims, who consider their actions and sayings as an authoritative source of guidance for understanding and practicing Islam. Their lives are seen as exemplary models of faith, piety, and devotion. The collection of their sayings and actions, known as the Sunnah, forms one of the primary sources of Islamic law and practice alongside the Quran.

The number of Sahaba is estimated to be in the tens of thousands. Prominent among them are the four Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Other notable companions include Aisha, Muhammad's wife, and prominent figures like Hamza, Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, and Abdur Rahman ibn Awf. Their biographies, known as *Seerah*, are extensively documented and studied by scholars. The term Sahab is also sometimes used more broadly to refer to any esteemed companion or associate in other contexts, though its primary association remains with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad.