Shi'a View of The Sahaba - Merit For Seeing Muhammad

Merit For Seeing Muhammad

Shias have different views on each Sahabi, depending on what he or she accomplished. In the Shia view, some Sahaba lived lives contrary to Islamic teaching. Shias support their arguments using verses from the Qur'an, in particular, in relation to Muhammad's wives:

sets forth an example to those who disbelieve: the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut: they were both under two of Our righteous servants, but they acted treacherously towards them so they availed them naught against Allah, and it was said: Enter both the fire with those who enter.

Shias also support their view by citing the following verses addressing Muhammad's wives:

O wives of the prophet! whoever of you commits an open indecency, the punishment shall be increased to her doubly; and this is easy to Allah.

And whoever of you is obedient to Allah and His Apostle and does good, We will give to her her reward doubly, and We have prepared for her an honorable sustenance.

In other words, a wife of the prophet who "commits an open indecency" will be twice as blameworthy, because she was in the presence of God's best creation, Muhammad, and thus should have been inspired to act justly. Also, a wife who "is obedient to God and His Messenger and does good" is considered twice as admirable, because she received Muhammad's direct guidance and aided him and his Ahl al-Bayt.

And from among those who are round about you of the dwellers of the desert there are hypocrites, and from among the people of Medina (also); they are stubborn in hypocrisy; you do not know them; We know them; We will chastise them twice then shall they be turned back to a grievous chastisement.