Who are the Ashra Mubashra?
The Ashra Mubashra are ten companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whom he named, during their own lifetimes, as people of Paradise: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, az-Zubair, Abdur Rahman ibn Awf, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, Sa’id ibn Zayd and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with them all).
The list is not in the Quran. It comes from hadith, and the narration usually quoted is Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747, which is graded authentic. The term itself is Arabic: ashra means ten and mubashshara means given good news. You will also see it written as Ashara Mubashara, Asharah Mubasharah, ashra e mubashra or asra mubashira, and in Urdu and Hindi as the ten Sahaba given the good news of Jannah. All of these refer to the same ten men.
These ten hold a particular place in Islamic history for how early they accepted Islam, how close they stayed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the part they played at the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud. Four of them are among the Khulafa ar-Rashidun, the first four caliphs. For the wider body of the Companions of the Prophet (SAW), start there and come back to this page for the ten.
Ashra Mubashra in the Quran and Hadith
No verse of the Quran names the ten. The Quran speaks well of the early Muhajirun and the Ansar, and promises Paradise to those who believe and do righteous deeds, but naming these ten individually belongs to hadith.
The report usually quoted is narrated by Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA), who is himself one of the ten:
Abu Bakr is in Paradise, ‘Umar is in Paradise, ‘Uthman is in Paradise, ‘Ali is in Paradise, Talhah is in Paradise, Az-Zubair is in Paradise, ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf is in Paradise, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas is in Paradise, Sa’eed bin Zaid is in Paradise, and Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah is in Paradise.
[Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747], Chapters on Virtues, Book 49, Hadith 144. Graded Sahih in the Darussalam edition.
One small thing is worth noticing in the Arabic. Two of the ten appear there by their first names only, Sa’d and Sa’eed. The fuller forms, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas and Sa’id ibn Zayd, come from the other narrations of the same report and from the translators.
Is the Ashra Mubashra Hadith authentic?
Yes. Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747 is graded Sahih in the Darussalam edition, and the parallel report at Sunan Abi Dawud 4649 is graded Sahih by al-Albani. The report is accepted in the Sunni hadith tradition.
There is a detail here that most summaries leave out. Al-Tirmidhi recorded the same report through a second chain, this time from Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) rather than Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA), at Jami at-Tirmidhi 3748. Next to it he noted that this second route is the stronger of the two. So the narration reaches us by more than one path, and the path people usually quote is not the one its own collector rated highest.
Where the narrations differ
The ten names are stable, but the wording is not. Three reports carry this hadith, and they do not say it the same way, which is the reason published lists sometimes fail to match each other.
| Narration | Narrated by | How it is worded | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747 | Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA) | Ten companions named in full. The Prophet (SAW) is not counted among them | Sahih (Darussalam) |
| Jami at-Tirmidhi 3748 | Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) | “Ten are in Paradise”, then nine named. The tenth is withheld and given only when the listeners insist | Sahih (Darussalam). Al-Tirmidhi rated this route stronger than 3747 |
| Sunan Abi Dawud 4649 | Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) | “Ten are in Paradise”, beginning with the Prophet (SAW) himself, then eight companions. The tenth is again withheld at first | Sahih (al-Albani) |
The clearest difference is in the Abu Dawud wording. Because the Prophet (SAW) is counted first there, the remaining places are filled differently, and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) does not appear in that particular list even though he is named in both of al-Tirmidhi’s. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) also appears there under a different form of his name. The ten used throughout this article are the ten named in Jami at-Tirmidhi 3747, which is the list almost everyone means by Ashra Mubashra.
The tenth name that was not said
In both reports that come through Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) he counts off nine names and then stops. The people sitting with him pressed him: “We implore you by Allah, who is the tenth?” Only then did he answer that it was himself. In Jami at-Tirmidhi 3748 he does not even say “me”. He gives his kunya, the name a person is known by within their family, and says “Abu al-A’war is in Paradise.”
Names and Brief Biographies of the Ashara Mubashara
Each Sahaba has their biography and plays a vital role in Islam. Here is a list of ten Ashra Mubashra names;
- Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiq (RA)
- Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)
- Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
- Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
- Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA)
- Hazrat Az-Zubair ibn Al-Awwam (RA)
- Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA)
- Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA)
- Hazrat Saeed ibn Zayd (RA)
- Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn Jarrah (RA)
| Companion | Tirmidhi 3747 | Tirmidhi 3748 | Abu Dawud 4649 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Uthman ibn Affan (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Az-Zubair ibn al-Awwam (RA) | Named | Named | Named |
| Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA) | Named, and he is the narrator | Named | Named |
| Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) | Named as Sa’d | Named in full | Named as Sa’d ibn Malik |
| Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) | Named as Sa’eed | Withheld, then given as Abu al-A’war. He is the narrator | Withheld, then named. He is the narrator |
| Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA) | Named | Named | Not in this wording |
Short biographies of each of the ten follow, and every name links to a full article.
Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiq (RA)
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first Caliph of Islam and one of the earliest Converts to Islam. He (RA) was a close friend, trusted advisor, and the first male convert to Islam. He is known for his strong faith, humility, and devotion to the Muslim community.
Key Contributions to the Islamic Community
- Unification of the Muslim Community: After the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) death, the Muslim community was in shock and confusion. He (RA) took quick and strong actions to unite everyone and establish his leadership.
- Battles Against Apostasy (Ridda Wars): Some crews rejected Islam after the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) death. He (RA) led campaigns against these crews to ensure the stability and continuity of the Islamic State.
For more on Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (RA) life and legacy, visit this blog post: The Role of Hazrat Abu Bakr in Islamic History.
Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)
Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) was the second Caliph of Islam. He (RA) is known for his fairness, strong leadership, and ability to differentiate between right and wrong. His (RA) leadership style was marked by a strict devotion to justice and fairness, earning the title “Al-Farooq” (who distinguishes between right and wrong).
Major Achievements and Reforms:
- Expansion of the Islamic Empire: During Hazrat Umar’s (RA) time as Caliph, Islam spread far and wide as the Islamic empire expanded. He (RA) was highly skilled in leading battles and managing the empire, which led to its growth in Persia, Egypt, and parts of the Byzantine Empire.
- Administrative and Social Reforms: Hazrat Umar (RA) focused on conquering lands and improving everyone’s quality of life. He established an organized system to ensure smooth governance and implemented various reforms to improve management and social welfare. This included establishing a formal organizational structure, a judicial system, a treasury (Bait-ul-Mal), and a comprehensive welfare system to aid needy people.
- Public Works and Infrastructure: He (RA) started building roads, canals, and public buildings, especially improving infrastructure within the expanding empire.
For more exploration of the life of Hazrat Umar (RA), click on this link: The Inspiring Life and Martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (RA).
Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA) was the third Caliph of Islam. He was well-known for his generosity and deep faith. During his caliphate, the Islamic empire continued to grow.
Compilation of the Quran
- Commissioning the Compilation: Hazrat Uthman’s (RA) most important contribution was authorizing the collection of the Quran into a single, reliable text. He ordered the compilation of the Quranic text to maintain its holiness as various idioms and versions began to arise.
- Distribution of the Quran: He (RA) distributed standardized copies of the Quran throughout the Islamic empire to ensure unity in recitation and understanding.
If you want to read the entire life and the role of Hazrat Uthman (RA) as the Third Caliph of Islam, click on the link: Life and Legacy of Hazrat Usman (RA)
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
Hazrat Ali (RA), the fourth Caliph and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was known for his knowledge, bravery, and justice. He (RA) was the husband of Hazrat Fatima (RA).
Contributions to Islamic Jurisprudence and Governance
- Principles of Governance: He (RA) established principles of governance, highlighting justice, equality, and the welfare of the people through his sermons and letters, which offer deep insights into Islamic political theory and ethics.
- Islamic Jurisprudence: As a scholar of Islamic law, Hazrat Ali’s (RA) explanations and judgements have greatly impacted Islamic law. Due to his deep understanding, he is considered the first Imam.
For more information about the Life and legacy of Hazrat Ali (RA), click on the link: Hazrat Ali’s biography (RA).
Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA)
Hazrat Talha (RA) was a prominent companion known for his bravery and generosity and also one of the Ashra Mubashra sahaba. He played an important role in the Battle of Uhud and was one of Medina’s richest men. He (RA) died during the Battle of the Camel.
Contributions to Spreading Islam
- Active Involvement: He (RA) actively participated in the early efforts to spread Islam, supporting the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in various missions and discussions.
- Generosity and Support: He (RA) was also known for his generosity, often using his wealth to support the Muslim community and aid in the spread of Islam.
To learn more about the life of Hazrat Talha (RA), click on the link: Life and Legacy of Hazrat Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA).
Hazrat Zubair ibn Al-Awwam (RA)
Hazrat Zubair (RA) was the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) cousin and an outstanding warrior. He was one of the earliest converts to Islam and is known for his firm support for the Prophet (SAW). He (RA) also died in the Battle of the Camel.
His Role in Significant Battles
- Key Military Role: He (RA) played a crucial role in several battles, including the Battle of Uhud and Badr. He displayed bravery and strategic sense in these early military engagements.
- Loyalty and Valour: Hazrat Zubair (RA), known for steady loyalty to the Prophet (SAW), and his bravery in battle made him a key figure in the early military campaigns.
If you want to read about the life of Hazrat Zubair bin al-Awwam (RA) and his contribution to the Ghazwa, click on the link: Life and Legacy of Hazrat Zubair bin Awwam (RA).
Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA)
Hazrat Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (RA) was a wealthy and generous companion known for his business understanding and generosity. He used his wealth to support the Muslim community and played a vital role in the early Islamic state’s economy.
His Piety and Business Ethics
- Ethical Standards: He maintained high ethical standards in business and was known for his piety despite his wealth. He was a model of integrity and honesty.
- Charitable Contributions: He frequently donated large sums to charity, funded military expeditions, and supported low-income and needy people within the community.
To learn more about Hazrat Abdur Rahman’s contributions during the earlier years of Islam, click on the link: Hazrat Abdul Rahman bin Auf (RA): A Sahabi of Paradise.
Hazrat Saad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA)
Hazrat Saad (RA) was a military leader and one of the early converts to Islam. He is celebrated for his role in the Battle of Qadisiyyah, which was crucial in the Muslim conquest of Persia. He was known for his piety and leadership.
Contributions to the Spread of Islam in Persia
- Military Campaigns: He (RA) led campaigns that significantly spread Islam in Persia and established Muslim rule in the region.
- Founding Cities: He (RA) is also credited with founding the city of Kufa in present-day Iraq, which later became an important center of Islamic learning and governance.
For more information about the Life and legacy of Hazrat Saad (RA), click on the link: Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA) – A Pillar of Early Islam.
Hazrat Saeed ibn Zayd (RA)
Hazrat Saeed (RA) was an early convert to Islam known for his devotion and piety. He (RA) fought in key battles alongside the Prophet (SAW). He was on the committee that selected Hazrat Uthman (RA) as Caliph.
Dedication and Service to Islam: He (RA) demonstrated dedication and loyalty to the faith. He participated in numerous early Islamic Battles and missions.
For more information about the Life and legacy of Hazrat Saeed (RA), click on the link: The Life and Legacy of Hazrat Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA)
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn Jarrah (RA)
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) was a trusted military commander and one of the most respected companions. He played a vital role in many significant battles, including Yarmouk, demonstrating humility and strong leadership skills.
Role as a Military Commander and Key Figure in Early Islamic Conquests
- Military Leadership: He (RA) played a vital role in the early Islamic conquests, including the battles in Syria and Palestine.
- Strategic Acumen: His insight and leadership qualities were instrumental in securing key victories for the nascent Muslim state, significantly expanding its territory.
These ten Sahaba of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are revered in Islamic history for their contributions to the faith and exemplary lives. They serve as models of piety, leadership, and devotion.
For more information about the Life and legacy of Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA), click on the link: Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA): Trustworthy of Ummah
Common Traits of the Ashra Mubashra
Several things recur across the ten and help explain why they are spoken of together:
- Early acceptance of Islam: most of them accepted Islam in the first years of the Prophet’s call, before Islam was practised openly in Makkah.
- Service to the Prophet (SAW): they supported him and the Muslim community at cost to themselves.
- Migration: they are counted among the Muhajirun, the companions who left Makkah for Madinah. If you want the background, read about Hijrah to Madinah.
- Participation in battles: many of them fought at Badr and in the campaigns that followed.
- Allegiance: most of them gave the pledge to the Prophet (SAW) at Hudaybiyyah.
- Narrations about their virtues: many hadith record their conduct and their standing.
Why these ten and not others
Readers often ask why names such as Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), Hamza (RA) or Khadijah (RA) are missing, when the Prophet (SAW) spoke so well of them.
The answer is about the list rather than about the people. Ashra Mubashra is the name given to one group of ten who were named together in a single narration. It is not a ranking of the Companions, and it is not a complete record of everyone who was given glad tidings. Others received such tidings in separate reports. Khadijah (RA) was given the news of a house in Paradise, conveyed to her through Jibril (Sahih al-Bukhari 3820), and Fatima (RA) was told she would be chief of the women of Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 3623 and 3624).
Sunni scholars also hold that certainty of this kind comes only from what the Prophet (SAW) was given to say. No one can declare of another person, however righteous, that they are certainly in Paradise on their own judgement.
What Muslims can learn from the ten
Four things come up again and again in what is reported about these ten, and each one is something a reader can act on rather than only admire.
- Standing firm early: most of them accepted Islam when doing so cost them safety, family and trade. Faith was expensive for them before it was respected.
- Wealth held loosely: Uthman (RA), Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA) and Talha (RA) were among the richest men of their time and are remembered for what they gave away rather than what they held.
- Not claiming status: Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA) knew he was named in that hadith and still would not say his own name until he was pressed under oath.
- Carrying responsibility: several of them governed, judged or commanded, and the reports about them dwell on how they handled that duty rather than on the rank itself.
Much of this comes back to how they approached learning and seeking knowledge in Islam, which shaped the judgement they later had to use.
If you want to read about any of the ten in detail, each name above links to a full article. For the wider body of the Prophet’s Companions and how the Sahaba are described in the sources, start there.
Conclusion
The Ashra Mubashra are celebrated for their virtues: honesty, bravery, wisdom, and generosity. They played pivotal roles in the spread of Islam and the establishment of a just and moral society. Their legacy endures through the centuries as they continue to be revered figures in Islamic history.
The lives of the Ashra Mubashra serve as a beacon of guidance for Muslims. They teach us the importance of living by Islamic principles, striving for justice, and committing to the service of humanity. Learning more about their stories and teachings can inspire us to embody their qualities in our daily lives.
Let us take inspiration from their lives and strive to follow in their noble footsteps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who were the 10 Ashra Mubashra Sahaba?
The ten Ashra Mubashra names are: Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (RA), Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), Hazrat Talha (RA), Hazrat az-Zubair (RA), Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (RA), Hazrat Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), Hazrat Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA), and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (RA).
Q2. Was Muawiyah promised Jannah?
Hazrat Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (RA) is not one of the Ashra Mubashra. The report usually raised here is Sahih al-Bukhari 2924, in which Umm Haram (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW) said the first army of his ummah to campaign by sea had made Paradise certain for themselves, and told her she would be among them.
The narration promises that expedition as a group. It names no commander and lists no individuals apart from Umm Haram (RA) herself. Scholars who include Muawiyah (RA) in it do so because he led that first naval campaign in the caliphate of Uthman (RA), which is a point of history rather than something the hadith states.
Q3. What can Muslims learn from the lives of the Ashara Mubashara?
Sincerity, courage, humility, patience and trust in Allah (SWT). Their lives show what it costs to support the truth, to serve a community, and to stay steady in faith when circumstances are against you.
Q4. Why were these ten singled out?
The narrations do not give a reason. They record that the Prophet (SAW) named them. What the sources do show about these ten is early acceptance of Islam, long service, and closeness to him. Anything beyond that is inference rather than something the hadith states.
Q5. Were any of the Ashra Mubashra killed as martyrs?
Yes, five of the ten. Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Uthman (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) were each assassinated, while Hazrat Talha (RA) and Hazrat az-Zubair (RA) were killed at the time of the Battle of the Camel. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) died of plague while serving in Syria.
Q6. Were any of the Ashra Mubashra related to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?
Yes, several had close family ties. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA) were his fathers-in-law, Hazrat Ali (RA) was his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Uthman (RA) was his son-in-law, and Hazrat az-Zubair (RA) was his cousin.
Q7. Were any women given the same glad tidings of Paradise?
Yes, though not under this term. Khadijah (RA) was given the glad tidings of a house in Paradise, conveyed to her through Jibril (Sahih al-Bukhari 3820). Fatima (RA) was told by the Prophet (SAW) that she would be chief of the women of Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 3623 and 3624). Umm Haram (RA) was told she would be among the first naval expedition, for whom Paradise was made certain (Sahih al-Bukhari 2924).
Ashra Mubashra refers specifically to the ten named together in one narration, so these are separate reports rather than part of that list.
Q8. Do Shia Muslims accept the Ashra Mubashra hadith?
Shia and Sunni hadith scholarship work from different collections and apply different criteria for accepting narrators, so a report accepted in the Sunni collections is not automatically accepted in the Shia ones. This narration is accepted in the Sunni tradition and is graded authentic there.
One thing from the narration’s own setting is worth knowing. Sunan Abi Dawud 4650 records Sa’id ibn Zayd (RA), the companion who transmits two of these reports, quoting this very hadith while objecting to Ali (RA) being insulted in a gathering in Kufa. In its original setting, the report was brought forward in defence of Ali (RA).
