Other than the prophets and those Allah Almighty has foretold of paradise, there is no guarantee of success for any person. To believe yourself or any person after the sahabah to be exempt from failure, is foolhardy. All people struggle and therein lies the beauty. It is Allah Almighty who gives success and it is He who takes it away. The greatest blessing in this world is that we persevere to do good despite failure and we die in the state that Allah Almighty is pleased with us. Indeed, Allah Almighty is all-forgiving and most gracious.

The path to Allah in only through His Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). In turn, the path to the Noble Prophet is through the devoted sahabah for whom Allah Almighty has declared his pleasure. Beyond them, hold on to the jama’at (community of the learned) rather than a single person for an individual is susceptible to corruption and error. That being said, Allah Almighty provides in every era pious individuals who guide us towards the straights path through their adoption of the Sunnah in character, speech and practice. When you find such individuals, embrace their company so long as they remain sincere and steadfast upon the shariah. In order to develop Ihsan and convert knowledge to action, the company of the pious is essential. The sahabah attained their rank through the companionship of the Prophet.

The enemies of Islam, sooner or later will attack such individuals either directly or through other means. They will attempt to disparage their name and cast doubt upon their character. If you find yourself in a position whereby an individual you admire is being slandered, take solace in Surah Nur and approach the matter as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did. If the accusations cannot be substantiated which meet the Islamic standard for evidence, there is but two courses of action. Either deny the accusation and defend the accused or remain silent and disassociate yourself. The first is befitting a follower whilst the second perhaps is prudent for a leader. In any case you must not be party to the spread of falsehood. More importantly, it should not affect your relationship with Allah Almighty or His Prophet (peace be upon him). The individual is but a valuable guide and you may have many such guides in your lifetime (may Allah Almighty have mercy upon them all). In contrast, the message of Islam is resolute and it is maintained by the jama’at which is unimpeachable. You have started on the path, now stand firm for Allah Almighty is perfect and all-wise.