Is the statement or action of a Companion considered a proof if there is no one else besides him, such as 'Umar's supplication: "So we greet our Lord with peace"?
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The questioner : May Allah preserve you, O honorable father. Is the statement or action of a Companion considered a proof if there is no one else besides him, such as 'Umar's supplication: "So we greet our Lord with peace"? May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : If an action is reported from a Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who is known for his extensive companionship with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his understanding of the religion under the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) guidance, and if a statement or action is reported from such a Companion for which no contradiction is known, then following him is better than following his opinion, for the reason previously mentioned: that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) caused His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to describe the era in which he and his Companions lived as the best of generations. Thus, if such a report is authentic from Ibn 'Umar, Ibn 'Umar is the furthest from religious innovation, which many of the later generations fall into. Rather, he is among the most famous of the Companions, known for his care (may Allah be pleased with him) to follow the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The principle in his case is that he should be followed and emulated, unless he is contradicted by someone of his stature among the Companions. In that case, the general rule applies:[An-Nisa 4:59] This is the rule. Sometimes, as scholars of hadith say, the action of a Companion is considered in the category of marfu' (traced to the Prophet), meaning as if it were said: "The Messenger of Allah said" or "The Messenger of Allah did." Distinguishing this type from that type is the concern of scholars specialized in the science of hadith and the jurisprudence of hadith. Therefore, this matter is left to the people of knowledge. As for the rule, if the action of a Companion is not contradicted, then Muslims should follow it, as I mentioned earlier. And if his action or statement is known by the people of knowledge to not contradict ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) and opinion, then following it becomes obligatory, because it is connected to the action or statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Yes.
The Shaykh : If an action is reported from a Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who is known for his extensive companionship with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his understanding of the religion under the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) guidance, and if a statement or action is reported from such a Companion for which no contradiction is known, then following him is better than following his opinion, for the reason previously mentioned: that Allah (Mighty and Majestic) caused His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to describe the era in which he and his Companions lived as the best of generations. Thus, if such a report is authentic from Ibn 'Umar, Ibn 'Umar is the furthest from religious innovation, which many of the later generations fall into. Rather, he is among the most famous of the Companions, known for his care (may Allah be pleased with him) to follow the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The principle in his case is that he should be followed and emulated, unless he is contradicted by someone of his stature among the Companions. In that case, the general rule applies:
And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.
فإن تنازعتم في شيء فردوه إلى الله والرسول إن كنتم تؤمنون بالله واليوم الآخر ذلك خير وأحسن تأويلاYes.