PROPHET MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him) described his Companions as the stars when he said, “My Companions are like the stars, whoever of them is taken as a role model will serve as a real guide.” In this article, we shall shed some light on the morals and manners of these real stars. Since the beginning of the 20th century, movie stars, singers and footballers have been regarded as the stars in any society, but they are stars in terms of fame and popularity. But if we would like to talk about the real stars who should be taken as examples to be followed, we have to follow the Prophet's description of the real stars, his Companions. For example, Abu Bakr Al Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) spent almost all his wealth in supporting Islam and freeing Muslims who were still slaves of Makkah chieftains. Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was the epitome of justice. During his reign, nobody dared to usurp the rights of another person because they knew that Omar would never tolerance that. Othman Ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) was the ideal example of generosity; he was one of the richest Muslims and spent all his money to support Islam and help Muslims to the extent that he bought a well owned by a Jews when he knew that that Jew exploited Muslims' needs for water. Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was an embodiment of deep knowledge of religion and erudition. After the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and especially in the reign of Omar Iban Al-Khattab, whenever Muslims faced a religious problem or had a question, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was there to solve their problems and answer their questions. Many Western historians and Orientalists describe that the Companions were devoted followers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and honest representatives of all his teachings and message. They encouraged other people including Persians, Romans, Egyptians, South East Asians etc. to embrace Islam by their good manners, morals and humane behavior. In my opinion, the second important thing, after exploring why they were described as stars by the Prophet (peace be upon him) is to take these people as role models: ‘Muhammad is the apostle of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. You will see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.” (Qur'an, 48:29) __
