Investigating Imam Malik's statement regarding the ranking of the Companions (may God be pleased with them) in terms of merit

Abstract

This research examines a pivotal and contentious issue among various Islamic sects and schools of thought: the ranking of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in virtue. It specifically discusses the different positions attributed to Imam Malik regarding this matter. The methodology employed in this study involved inductively surveying Imam Malik's statements, collecting, analyzing, and discussing the relevant texts. The research aimed to determine the correct and established view of Malik on this issue, supported by the evidence that substantiates this position. The findings were manifold, with the most significant being: Imam Malik’s affirmation of the legitimacy of differentiating (i.e., making preference) among the Companions, and the clarification that his most probable and settled opinion concerning their ranking in virtue is the preference of the Four Caliphs in the order of their succession (i.e., Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Uthman, then Ali). Consequently, his final view aligns with the general position and consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.