Ibn Mas'ud reported God’s Messenger as saying, “The best of men are my generation, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them. Afterwards people will come who will give testimony before swearing an oath and swear an oath before giving testimony.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Offices of Commander and Qadi - Mishkat al-Masabih 3767
This tradition from Ibn Mas'ud, recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, establishes the spiritual hierarchy of the Muslim community across generations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delineates three superior generations: his own Companions (Sahaba), their immediate successors (Tabi'un), and the followers of those successors (Tabi' al-Tabi'in).
Exegesis of the Three Blessed Generations
The first generation, the Sahaba, attained the highest rank through direct companionship with the Prophet, witnessing revelation, and embodying Islamic teachings in their purest form. Their faith was tested through persecution and solidified through sacrifice.
The second generation, the Tabi'un, learned Islam directly from the Companions and preserved the tradition through rigorous transmission. They expanded Islamic scholarship while maintaining the original spirit of the faith.
The third generation, Tabi' al-Tabi'in, continued this chain of authentic transmission and contributed significantly to the codification of Islamic sciences, though further removed from the original source.
The Warning Regarding Later Generations
The Prophet's description of subsequent generations "who will give testimony before swearing an oath and swear an oath before giving testimony" indicates a decline in religious sincerity and truthfulness. Scholars interpret this as referring to people who treat oaths and testimonies lightly, using them for worldly gain rather than upholding truth.
This prophetic observation serves as both a warning and guidance for Muslims of later eras to strive toward the exemplary standards of the early generations in matters of faith, integrity, and religious practice.