The Quran has commanded muslims and believers to race towards paradise. “ And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful of Allah” Surah Al-Imran (3:133). Those who have earned Paradise will be different in the life after death. There are a few companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who were promised Paradise in their lifetime.
In Arabic, the term Ashra stands for “ten,” and Mubashra means “glad tidings.” This terminology holds significant importance in Islamic history and culture, and so do the ten promised Sahabas. Their life and their struggle are a lesson for the Muslim Ummah to follow as role models.
Studying the lives of Ashra Mubashra takes too much time. Private IGCSE and O-level candidates should learn time management to complete this while following a study schedule.
What does Ashra Mubashra mean?
In the O-level Islamiyat syllabus, Ashra Mubashra refers to the ten Sahabah of the Prophet (PBUH) who were promised paradise during their lifetime. There were a few common traits that these Ashra mubshra had in them that made them promise for Jannah:
- Convert to Islam in their early years
- Offered great sacrifices to the Holy Prophet PBUH and Islam
- They migrated with the Holy Prophet PBUH
- They were active participants in the Battle of Badar.
- They swore their allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH at Hudaibiya,
Who was the Ashra Mubashra?
The ten Asra Mubashra were:
- Abu Bakar: The First Caliph and Closest Companion of the Prophet (PBUH)
Hazrat Abu Bakr was the first person to convert to Islam after Hazrat Muhammad PBUH began preaching Islam. He is the first of the righteous caliphs and the first of Ashra Mubashra as well. The real name of Abu Bakar was Abdul-Kaaba. Hazrat Muhammad PBUH gave him the name of Abdullah. Abu Bakar was his nickname. The titles that were given to him were Sidiq and Al-Atiq. The most famous of them was Sidiq.
Birth and Background
Abu Bakr (RA) was born in Mecca just a few years after the Event of the Elephant, in 571 CE. He belonged to the noble Banu Taym tribe, known for its influence, trade, and culture. His lineage connected with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Murrah ibn Ka’b. His father was Abu Quhafah, and his mother was Ummul-Hayr Salma.
Physical Appearance
He was fair-skinned and slender, with a lean face, sparse beard, deep-set eyes, and a prominent forehead.
Family Life
He married multiple times. His children included:
- From Qutayla bint Abduluzza: Abdullah and Asma
- From Umm Ruman: Aisha (RA) and Abdur Rahman
- From Habiba bint Harija: Umm Kulthum
- From Asma bint Umais: Muhammad
Pre-Islamic Life
Even before Islam, Abu Bakr was admired for his honesty, generosity, and knowledge of genealogy. He was a respected merchant in the textile trade and handled compensation cases in Mecca. He possessed a wealth of around 40,000 dirhams, most of which he later spent for the cause of Islam.
Acceptance of Islam
Abu Bakr (RA) was the first adult male to accept Islam after Khadijah (RA). He actively called others to the faith and used his wealth to free persecuted slaves, including Bilal ibn Rabah. His companionship with the Prophet was unwavering. He was his companion in the Hijrah (Migration) and remained close for thirteen years in Mecca.
Participation in Battles
He was present in all major battles, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq (The Ditch), and others like Haybar, Hunayn, and the conquest of Mecca.
Caliphate and Achievements
Following the Prophet’s death in 632 CE (11 AH), Abu Bakr was chosen as the first Caliph without any opposition. In his first address, he humbly declared:
“I am not the best among you, but I have become your leader.”
His leadership was marked by:
- Wars against false prophets and those refusing zakat.
- Suppression of rebellions across Arabia.
- Expansion into Iraq and Syria, including victories in Hira, Ajnadin, and Anbar.
- Delegating the first compilation of the Qur’an, led by Zayd ibn Thabit.
Death and Burial
He fell ill in 13 AH (634 CE) and appointed Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) as his successor after consulting senior Companions. Abu Bakr died at the age of 63, the same age as the Prophet (PBUH), and was buried beside him, at shoulder level, in the chamber of Aisha (RA).
- Umar Bin Khattab: The Second Righteous Caliph
Title and Early Life
Known as Al-Faruq, “the one who distinguishes between right and wrong”, Umar (RA) was one of the Prophet’s closest companions and a major figure in the spread of Islam. He was born in Mecca 13 years after the Year of the Elephant, and 4 years after the Great Fijar War, into the Adi clan of the Quraish. His father was Khattab ibn Nufayl, and his mother was Hantamah, a relative of Abu Jahl.
Physical Appearance and Skills
Umar was tall, light-skinned, with a large frame, broad forehead, and long mustache. As a youth, he was a shepherd and later became skilled in genealogy, weaponry, and public speaking.
Pre-Islamic Role
Before Islam, Umar was a respected envoy and mediator for Mecca, representing the city in tribal conflicts and trade disputes. He also participated in trade caravans to Syria.
Conversion to Islam
Initially a fierce opponent of Islam, Umar set out to kill the Prophet (PBUH) but was moved by the Qur’an recited by his sister. He embraced Islam in the 6th year of Prophethood, becoming one of its strongest defenders.
Migration and Support
Unlike others, Umar migrated openly to Medina with 20 companions. He stood by the Prophet PBUH in all matters and fought in key battles, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and Khaybar, also leading expeditions.
Role After the Prophet’s Death
Umar played a key role in maintaining unity after the Prophet’s PBUH death, supporting Abu Bakr’s election as Caliph and serving as his closest advisor during his rule.
Caliphate and Expansion
Umar became the second Caliph after Abu Bakr’s recommendation, confirmed by consensus. Under his leadership:
- Persia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Khorasan, Jerusalem, and Egypt were conquered.
- The Battle of Qadisiyyah marked a major defeat of the Persian army.
- He founded administrative institutions, appointed independent judges, formed a Council (Shura), and organized state revenue.
Administrative Reforms
Umar:
- Introduced Islamic coinage (17 AH)
- Established military headquarters near frontiers
- Initiated the first organized Islamic judiciary
- Categorized non-Muslim taxes and revenues
Martyrdom
In 23 AH, Umar was stabbed by a non-Muslim slave while leading prayer. He died three days later and was buried beside the Prophet (PBUH).
The life of Hazrat Abu Bakar and Hazrat Umar RA often appeared as an important topic in the O-level past papers.
- Uthman Ibn Affan: The Third Rightly-Guided Caliph
Lineage and Titles
Hazrat Uthman (RA), from the noble Banu Umayya clan of Quraish, shared lineage with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Abdi Manaf. His full name was Uthman ibn Affan. Known by the titles Abu Abdullah, Abu Amr, and Zinnurayn “The Possessor of Two Lights”, he married two daughters of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH: first Ruqayya RA, and after her death, Umm Kulthum RA.
Birth and Family
He was born six years after the Year of the Elephant, and was 34 years old when the Prophet (PBUH) received revelation. His mother, Arwa bint Kurayz, was the Prophet’s cousin through her mother Beyda, daughter of Abdulmuttalib. Uthman had multiple wives and children; his most well-known son was Aban.
Appearance and Character
He was handsome, of average height, with a thick beard and polite manners. His honesty in trade earned him great respect before Islam.
Acceptance of Islam
Uthman accepted Islam through Abu Bakr’s invitation and was among the early converts. He participated in both migrations to Abyssinia and later migrated to Medina.
Services to Islam
- Purchased the well of Ruma for public Muslim use.
- Fought in all major battles except Badr (with the Prophet Muhammad’s permission due to his wife’s illness).
Caliphate and Achievements
After Umar’s martyrdom, Uthman was chosen as the third Caliph. His reign saw extensive conquests:
- In Persia: Juzejan, Taliqan, Faryab, Balkh, and Toharistan
- In Africa: Ifriqiyya
- In Europe: Cyprus, Rhodes, and parts of Anatolia as far as Tiflis
Martyrdom
He was martyred during internal unrest and rebellion after years of service, humility, and dedication to Islam.
- Ali Ibn Abu Talib: The Fourth rightly guided Caliph
Lineage and Titles
Hazrat Ali (RA), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was the son of Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asad, from the Quraish tribe. His titles included Abu Hasan, Abu Turab, Haydar, Commander of the Faithful, and Lion of Allah. He is famously known as the “Gate to the City of Knowledge.”
Birth and Family
Born 20 years before the Hijrah, Ali was raised in the Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s household. He married Fatima (RA), the Prophet’s daughter, and had 14 sons and 9 daughters, including Hasan, Husain, Zainab, and Umm Kulthum. He never married another woman while Fatima was alive.
Physical Appearance
Ali was of medium-short height, with dark skin, large black eyes, and a broad, thick beard. He once used henna on his beard but later kept it natural.
Acceptance of Islam
Ali was the first child to embrace Islam, pledging allegiance to the Prophet (PBUH) during a private gathering of Banu Hashim.
Migration and Loyalty
Before migrating, the Prophet left his trusts with Ali, who returned them and slept in the Prophet’s bed to deceive the Quraysh. Ali later migrated to Medina and remained at the Prophet’s side throughout his life.
Service to Islam
- Fought in all major battles.
- Was present during the Prophet’s final moments and helped prepare his burial.
- Acted as chief legal advisor under Caliph Umar.
- Attempted to mediate during the unrest under Uthman’s caliphate.
Caliphate and Challenges
After Uthman’s martyrdom, Ali was elected as the fourth Caliph. His rule faced internal strife, leading to the Battles of Jamal and Siffin. Despite the turmoil, he worked tirelessly to restore unity in the Muslim Ummah.
Martyrdom
In 40 AH / 661 CE, Ali was fatally wounded by Abdurrahman ibn Muljam, a Kharijite, while heading to Fajr prayer in Kufa, and became a martyr.
Scholarly Status
Due to his close companionship with the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, Ali was a master of Tafsir, Hadith, and Fiqh, and was regarded as one of the most knowledgeable companions.
- Abdur Rahman Bin Awf: The Generous Companion
Early Life and Islam
Born about 20 years after the Year of the Elephant, Abdurrahman ibn Awf (RA) belonged to the Banu Zuhra clan of Quraish. His original name was Abdul Kaaba (or Abdu Amr), later changed by the Prophet (PBUH) to Abdurrahman. He embraced Islam early during the secret preaching at Dar al-Arqam and was known as Abu Muhammad.
Migration and Wealth
He participated in both migrations to Abyssinia and later migrated to Medina. There, he engaged in trade, becoming immensely wealthy and known for his exceptional generosity, especially during expeditions like Tabuk.
Role in Islam
One of the Ashra Mubashra Abdurrahman supported Islam with both wealth and wisdom. Despite hearing many hadiths directly from the Prophet PBUH, he narrated only around 65 due to his caution and sincerity.
Final Years and Death
In his later years, during Uthman’s caliphate, he lived a quiet life and passed away in Medina in 32 AH.
- Abu Ubaidah Ibn Jarrah: The Custodian of the Ummah
Background and Titles
Abu Ubaidah (RA), whose real name was Amir ibn Abdullah ibn al-Jarrah, belonged to the Banu Fihr clan of Quraish and shared lineage with the Prophet (PBUH) through their ancestor Fihr. He was famously titled “Custodian of the Ummah.”
Acceptance of Islam
He was among the earliest Muslims, accepting Islam either through Abu Bakr’s invitation or along with companions led by Uthman ibn Maz’un. He migrated in the second convoy to Abyssinia.
Service to Islam
Abu Ubaidah participated in all major battles and expeditions, including the conquest of Mecca, the siege of Taif, and the Farewell Pilgrimage. He was a key military commander during the Syrian conquests under Caliph Umar, after beginning service under Abu Bakr.
Death
He died during the plague of Amwas in the Levant, a historical outbreak affecting Syria, Egypt, and Iraq.
Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqas: The Early Muslim Commander
Lineage and Background
Sa’d’s full name was Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas Malik ibn Wuhayb, from the Banu Zuhra clan of Quraish. His lineage connects to the Prophet (PBUH) through his mother’s side, as the Prophet’s mother also belonged to Banu Zuhra. His mother was Hamene bint Sufyan.
Acceptance of Islam
One of the earliest converts to Islam, Sa’d, remained in Mecca until the Hijrah.
Military and Political Role
He fought in all major battles, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Hudaybiyyah, Khaybar, and the conquest of Mecca. Sa’d played significant roles in both military and political affairs during the caliphate period.
Death
He passed away in 55 AH in the Aqiq Valley near Medina.
- Sa’id Ibn Zaid: Companion of Truth and Faith
Background
Saeed ibn Zayd (RA) was the son of Zayd ibn Amr, a follower of the Hanafi religion of Ibrahim (AS). His lineage connected with the Prophet (PBUH) through Ka’b, and his mother was Fatima bint Ba’ja. He was known by the patronymic Abul-A‘war and also called Abu Tur.
Acceptance of Islam
Raised with monotheistic beliefs, Saeed accepted Islam early and was married to Fatima, the sister of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
Military Participation
He missed the Battle of Badr but fought in Uhud, Khandaq, and all subsequent battles.
Death
Saeed spent his final years on his farm in the Aqiq Valley near Medina, passing away at over 70 years of age in 50 or 51 AH.
- Talha Ibn Ubayd Ullah: (The Hero of Uhad)
Background
Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA), known as Abu Muhammad, belonged to the Banu Taym clan of Quraish. He was one of the first eight people to accept Islam and among the five who embraced Islam through Abu Bakr (RA). He was also the Prophet’s brother-in-law, with four of his wives being sisters of the Prophet’s wives.
Appearance
He was of medium height, broad-chested, dark-skinned, with thick hair, a smiling face, and a quick stride.
Military Contributions
Though absent at Badr, Talha bravely fought in other battles and notably shielded the Prophet (PBUH) at Uhud, earning great praise.
Death
Talha was martyred in the Battle of the Camel by Marwan ibn Hakam and died at the age of 60–64.
- Zubayr Ibn Awwan: The defender of Islam
Background
Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (RA), known as Abu Abdullah, was the Prophet’s cousin (son of his aunt Safiyyah bint Abdulmuttalib) and one of his closest companions. He was among the earliest Muslims—either the 4th or 5th to accept Islam.
Migration and Service
He migrated to Abyssinia, participated in all major battles, and played a significant role in the conquest of Egypt. After Umar’s death, he was part of the six-member council to choose the next caliph.
Death
Zubayr fought at Siffin, later withdrew, and was killed by Amr ibn Jarmouz in the Siba Valley while on his way to Medina.
Significance of Ashra Mubashra:
The significance of Ashra Mubashra is undeniable. The Prophet (PBUH) has mentioned them in his lifetime numerous times for their unwavering faith, sacrifices, and dedication to Islam.
In a Sahih Hadith, narrated ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Abu Bakr is in Paradise, ‘Umar is in Paradise, ‘Uthman is in Paradise, ‘Ali is in Paradise, Talhah is in Paradise, Az-Zubair is in Paradise, ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf is in Paradise, Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas is in Paradise, Sa’eed bin Zaid is in Paradise, and Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah is in Paradise.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3747)
The Quran says in Surah Hadid: “And why do you not spend in the cause of Allah, while to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth? Not equal among you are those who spent before the conquest [of Makkah] and fought [and those who did so after it]. Those are greater in degree than those who spent afterwards and fought. But to all Allah has promised the best [reward]. And Allah, with what you do, is Acquainted” (57:10)
Conclusion:
The Ashra Mubashra holds immense importance for the muslim Ummah because they serve to Islam and companionship with the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Studying their lives and learning from their roles can help muslims to lead a righteous path and be the ones to enter Jannah.
With an expert Islamiyat O-level tutor, students can learn the exact life events of righteous caliphs from Islamic history and try to apply the lessons learned in their lives. VACE Global is a hub of expert online tuition teachers who can help students with the Cambridge O-level syllabus, helping out in all O-level subjects, along with A-level subjects. With extensive exam overload in Pakistan, learning and remembering these historic personalities requires an expert tutor. Students who aim to get an A-level scholarship can enroll with us and conquer the academic journey.
FAQs:
- Who were the Ashra Mubashra in Islam?
The Ashra Mubashra were ten companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who were given the glad tidings of Paradise during their lifetimes for their unwavering faith, sacrifices, and contributions to Islam
- What does “Ashra Mubashra” mean?
“Ashra Mubashra” is an Arabic term meaning “The Ten Given Glad Tidings.” It refers to ten Sahabah (companions) whom the Prophet (PBUH) explicitly promised entry into Paradise.
- Where was the Ashra Mubashra mentioned?
They were mentioned in authentic hadiths, most notably in a narration by Abdurrahman ibn Awf (RA), where the Prophet (PBUH) listed the ten companions and said, “All are in Paradise.”
- What made the Ashra Mubashra special?
Each of the ten companions had deep faith, supported the Prophet (PBUH) in times of struggle, and played significant roles in the spread of Islam through leadership, wealth, and courage.
- Can Muslims aspire to follow the path of the Ashra Mubashra?
Yes, although Paradise was promised to them, their lives serve as role models for Muslims. Their sincerity, sacrifices, and devotion to Allah and His Messenger set a timeless example to follow.