EXTENDED COMPANIONSHIP
In chapter 26 of the Quran, God mentions the Prophet of Islam, stating that “He sees your movements among those who prostrate themselves.” (26:219) In this verse, those who prostrate refer to the believers, and movements mean going back and forth. This alludes to the Prophet Muhammad’s daily activities, which he undertook to reform the believers and raise religious awareness among them. These efforts, in a broader sense, also constituted part of the Prophet’s companionship. Throughout these activities, he continually worked to increase the religious consciousness of the believers.
To understand the idea of extended companionship, here is an example:
Narrated by Abu Hurairah: A man insulted Abu Bakr while the Prophet was sitting. The Prophet watched in amazement and smiled. When the man continued and Abu Bakr responded to some of his words, the Prophet became angry and stood up. Abu Bakr followed him and said: “O Messenger of God, he was insulting me while you were sitting, and when I replied to some of what he said, you got angry and stood up?” He said: “An angel was with you, responding on your behalf. But when you responded with some of your own words, Satan became present, and I do not sit where Satan is present.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 9624)
This is a clear example of what we call conscious awakening taught by the Prophet. The truth is that every human being is naturally equipped with two types of inner traits: the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah) and the reproaching self (nafs al-lawwamah). The commanding self is linked to Satan, while the reproaching self is linked to the angel.
If a man abuses you and you stay silent, then the accusing self within the abuser awakens and internally rebukes him. It’s as if an angel responds on your behalf. Conversely, if you reply with harshness to harsh words, the commanding self of the other person is triggered. This person is falling under Satan’s influence.
Through this instruction, the Prophet made the Companions aware of a profound truth. He instilled in them such intellectual enlightenment that it became the key to their success in every matter—whether personal or collective.
Through this guidance, the Prophet provided the believers with a deep insight. He explained that within every person, there are two hidden personalities:
• One, the enemy personality, and
• The other, the friendly personality.
It is within your power to choose whether the other person becomes your friend or your enemy. If you activate his commanding side (ego), you will encounter his enemy personality. If you activate his reproaching side (conscience), you will see his friendly personality.
Through this instruction, the Prophet highlighted this essential truth: even doing nothing is a form of doing, and not speaking is a form of speaking.
If someone abuses you and you choose not to respond, it doesn’t just mean you stayed silent. It means that by remaining quiet, you allowed a more powerful speaker to speak—that is, God’s angel. In this way, what you might have done less effectively, God’s angel accomplished more effectively.
