During the migration of Muslims from Makkah to Madinah, many companions sacrificed their wealth, families, and businesses solely for the sake of Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ. From this act of profound devotion, a group of companions emerged, known as the “The Companions of the Veranda.” This group resided in a raised station adjacent to the Prophet ﷺ’s mosque in Madinah, known as the Suffah. They were individuals who had no wealth, families, or means to provide for themselves, and they relied entirely on the generosity of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

The Companions of the Veranda dedicated their lives to the Islamic cause, focusing on acquiring, implementing, and spreading knowledge while embracing the highest form of asceticism.

Their Condition and Renunciation of Worldly Life

The companions of As-Suffah were the epitome of asceticism in every sense. At times, they barely had enough cloth to cover themselves. They would use their hands to prevent their private parts from being exposed, a visible sign of their extreme poverty.

Abu Hurairah reports:
“I saw seventy of As-Suffah men and none of them had a Rida’ (a garment covering the upper part of the body). They had either Izars (lower garments) or sheets which they tied around their necks. Some of these sheets reached the middle of their legs and some reached their heels, and they would gather them with their hands lest their private parts should become naked.” (Bukhari, 442)

At times, they would stand for prayer, only to faint from weakness. The Bedouins, who were not accustomed to such a lifestyle, accused them of madness, believing their abstention from worldly pleasures made them mentally unstable. In response to these challenges, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ spoke to them after a prayer, offering them words of comfort and encouragement:
“If you knew what was in store for you with Allah, you would love to be increased in poverty and need.” (Tirmidhi, 2368)

The condition of these companions was so remarkable that Allah ﷻ revealed a verse in the Qur’an in honor of their state, underscoring His wisdom in placing some of His creation in poverty.

Qur’an (Ash-Shura 42:27):

“If God were to grant His plentiful provision to [all] His creatures, they would act insolently on earth, but He sends down in due measure whatever He will, for He is well aware of His servants and watchful over them.”

The Guests of Islam and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

On many occasions, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ invited the Ashab as-Suffah to his home. At other times, he would join them in their humble quarters on the veranda and share meals with them. This act of kindness set a precedent among the companions, encouraging them to share their own food with those in need.

Ya’ish bin Qais bin Tikhfah narrated that his father, one of the people of Suffah, said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to us: ‘Come with me.’ So we went to the house of ‘Aishah, where we ate and drank. Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to us: ‘If you want, you can sleep here, or if you want, you can go out to the mosque.’ We said: ‘We will go out to the mosque.’” (Ibn Majah, 752)

The companions of As-Suffah were treated as the extended family of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He thought of their needs as he would those of his own family. In one instance, Sayyiduna Ali b. Abi Talib approached the Prophet ﷺ seeking a servant, only to be told:
“I will not give you a servant and leave the Ahl as-Suffah suffering from hunger!” (Ahmad, 596)

Prominent Companions Among Them

Some of the most prominent companions who were part of this group include:

• Sayyiduna Abu ad-Darda 
• Sayyiduna Abu Zarr al-Ghifari 
• Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah b. al-Jarrah 
• Sayyiduna Abu Lubabah 
• Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah 
• Sayyiduna Bilal b. Abi Rabah 
• Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi 
• Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Masud 
• Sayyiduna Ammar b. Yasir
  

The Number of Companions in As-Suffah

The number of companions who lived in the Suffah varied over time. At one point, there were more than seventy companions living in the veranda. Some scholars, such as Imam an-Nawawi, estimate that the total number of companions who were part of As-Suffah throughout its existence was around four hundred. The fluctuations in their numbers were attributed to several factors, including:

• Leaving Madinah to propagate the religion 
• Marrying 
• Attaining martyrdom during wars and conquests
  

Despite their initial poverty, many of these companions later became leaders, teachers, and rulers within the Muslim community after the passing of the Prophet ﷺ. Due to their close proximity to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, they were highly regarded as authoritative figures in the sciences of Islam.

Many have also traced the origins of tasawwuf (Sufism) to the companions of As-Suffah, as they embodied the very characteristics that later became central to Sufi teachings: devotion to Allah, asceticism, and selflessness in the pursuit of knowledge.

As we reflect upon their lives, it becomes evident that the companions of As-Suffah were not merely figures of history, but models of sacrifice, asceticism, and devotion that continue to inspire Muslims today.

FAQs About the Companions of the Veranda

1. Who were the Companions of the Veranda (As-Suffah)?

The Companions of the Veranda were a group of early Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah and chose to live in a raised station adjacent to the Prophet ﷺ’s mosque, known as Suffah. They had no wealth, families, or means of livelihood and relied entirely on the generosity of the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslim community. Their lives were dedicated to seeking and spreading knowledge, as well as living ascetically for the sake of Allah ﷻ.

2. Why were the Companions of the Veranda considered ascetics?

The Companions of the Veranda were considered ascetics due to their extreme detachment from worldly pleasures. They lived in poverty, often lacking sufficient clothing and food. Their devotion to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ led them to prioritize spiritual growth over material gain, embodying true asceticism by refraining from worldly attachments and living a life of simplicity and sacrifice.

3. How did the Prophet ﷺ interact with the Companions of the Veranda?

The Prophet ﷺ treated the Companions of the Veranda with deep compassion. He would invite them to his home for meals, eat with them on the veranda, and treat them as part of his extended family. He was highly concerned about their needs and even made sure that their welfare was prioritized, as seen when he refused to give Sayyiduna Ali a servant while the companions of As-Suffah were suffering from hunger.

4. What is the significance of the verse revealed in honor of the Companions of the Veranda?

The verse from Surah Ash-Shura (42:27) was revealed to honor the state of the Companions of the Veranda. It highlights the wisdom of Allah ﷻ in distributing provision to His creation. If Allah were to grant His creatures abundance, they might become arrogant, but He gives in due measure, for He is aware and watchful over His servants. This verse reflects Allah’s divine wisdom in allowing some to live in poverty for a greater spiritual purpose.

5. Which prominent companions were part of the group of As-Suffah?

Several notable companions were part of As-Suffah, including:

• Sayyiduna Abu ad-Darda

• Sayyiduna Abu Zarr al-Ghifari

• Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah b. al-Jarrah

• Sayyiduna Abu Lubabah

• Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah

• Sayyiduna Bilal b. Abi Rabah

• Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi

• Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Masud

• Sayyiduna Ammar b. Yasir

These companions played crucial roles in the early spread of Islam and are revered for their devotion and sacrifice.

Conclusion

The companions of As-Suffah are among the most revered figures in Islamic history. Their lives were marked by absolute devotion to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ, living in the most challenging conditions for the sake of spreading knowledge and practicing true asceticism. They serve as a timeless example of the profound impact of selflessness, dedication, and sacrifice in the service of Islam.

In the UK, organizations such as As-Siraj are dedicated to continuing this spirit of charity and support, following in the footsteps of the companions of As-Suffah. These efforts ensure that the legacy of generosity, kindness, and support for the less fortunate continues to thrive.

Bibliography:

• Jami al-Bayan, Tabari
• Hilyat al-Awliya, al-Asbahani

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