ASHABU 'S-SUFFAH

"The sitters on the bench" of the temple at Makkah. They are thus described by Abu l-Fida: "They were poor strangers, without friends or place of abode, who claimed the promises of the Apostle of God and implored his protection. Thus the porch of the temple became their mansion, and thence they obtained their name. Muhammad went to meals, he used to call some of them to partake with him; and he selected others to eat with his companions."