A Review of Abdullah Ibn Salam's Position during the Period of Prophet and Caliphs

Abstract

The historical narratives demonstrate that Ibn Salam became Muslim in the first year of Hejrat. Nevertheless, he did not play a significant role in the battles and remarkable events during the period of Prophet. After the death of Prophet, he became an influential character by approaching to the government. Subsequently, he had the permit for narrating the traditions in the period of the prohibition of Hadith and also defended the Caliphs' performance especially in the revolt against Osman. Moreover, the Caliphs and Bani Omayeh endeavored to promote the religious and political position of Ibn Salam in society by means such as the replacement of unauthentic religious authorities instead of prophet's family i.e. Imam Ali, claim of some verses describing the faith of Ibn salam and fictitious traditions to admire him. The purpose of Bani Omayeh for supporting Ibn salam was to obtain public consideration and to strengthen its legitimacy. Such policy had effects on scholars who made mistake interpretation about Ibn Salam's character. Consequently, they narrated the inaccurate verses about him.

Keywords

• Ibn Salam
• Imam Ali
• Caliphs
• Religious Authority
• Jewish Scientist