Fatwa ID: 1072
Title: Is a deed or a saying of a companion of the prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, an authority?
Category: Heart Softeners
Scholar: Dr. Hatem al-Haj
Date: 12/26/2005
Question
Is a deed or saying of a companion – may Allah be content with him - of the prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, considered an authority? Jazakum Allahu Khairan.
Answer

In the Name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

Praise be to Allah, prayers and peace be upon His kind Messenger, his family members, companions and followers.

A deed or a saying of a companion – may Allah be content with him - of the prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, is not an authority, unless it has no contradiction, then the authority is in the companions` consensus. It remains to be said that the companions – may Allah be content with them - of the prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, are preferred to others in following, for they are the best men and the most knowledgeable people with Islam in the Muslim Ummah. Allah knows best.