Companions of the Prophet

While the community of people who embraced the teachings of the Sirdabi prophet Fadil al-Azad were collectively called the Redeemed, a smaller number among them were known to be especially devoted to the Prophet, either accompanying him faithfully upon his travels, or acting as local spiritual guides for the faith community in his absence. This number grew over time, and eventually came to serve as something like a council in helping to convert the principles of the new faith into effective practices, and to loosely govern the affairs of the early Azadi community. Together, these individuals became known as the Companions of al-Azad, emphasizing their voluntary association with him as a man of virtue and wisdom, and their willing submission to his guidance as the messenger of the One True God.

Al-Khamsa: The Five Chief Companions of the Prophet al-Azad

Among all of these companions, there were five who stood apart as al-Azad's most trusted and cherished friends and advisors. Known as al-Khamsa, these five were rarely far from his side, tirelessly supported him in his mission, propagating and strengthening the young faith, and eventually recording the Prophet's words and deeds. After the death of al-Azad, they continued to play a leading part in developing the Azadi community.

Adwa

The Prophet's first wife, and the only woman among al-Khamsa. Her influence on the early Azadi faith and her steadfast support for al-Azad from the time of his very first visions were such that she was considered the first of all companions. After the Prophet's death she was instrumental in preventing the community of the Redeemed from hopelessly fracturing, and in ensuring the integrity of al-Azad's vision for a new society.

Alaman bin Darush

Aside from Adwa, the closest of the Prophet's companions. His people were those of the Banu Anshar'a in southern Rahoum, and he was one of the very first to convert to Azadi. Though only ten years' al-Azad's senior, his wise and steady nature made him someone that both al-Azad and Adwa often relied upon for counsel and emotional support. Alaman was eventually chosen to be the leader of the Azadi community following the death of the Prophet. After several years of virtuous rule that established the Azadi ideal of good governance, this first caliph abdicated peacefully and became a wanderer in the desert, Seeking the Song along with his beloved nephew Hiroun al-Birabi.

Tahmas Sardari al Jaami

Tahmas was nothing more than a poor Irzali farmer from Enneskul, but he became a leader of the resistance that eventually grew into the Sparkling Rebellion that overthrew the shahanshah. It was he who first decided to approach al-Azad and ask for his help overthrowing the oppressors of Irzal, and he remained a strong advocate for the Azadi faith and for cooperation and harmony between Sirdabi and Irzali. He was selected to become the second caliph after Alaman's abdication, and was especially conscientious in making sure that Azadi from all lands and backgrounds were accepted within the community on equal terms.

Mandeb abu Dammar

The fourth of the Companions, who belonged to the Banu Seghoura of western Rahoum. He was a great warrior and tactician who fought bravely against the pagan tribes of Rahoum and in the siege of Bargha, but he was also one of the first to give up the sword when al-Azad began to turn aside from battle and conquest to embrace a message of peace and seeking. Mandeb became a powerful voice for the Prophet's principles, and he later worked closely with his son Dammar and daughter-in-law Meze to codify these as laws for moral and ethical conduct.

Photaros el-Bahaari

The youngest and last of al-Khamsa, and originally a Kalentian. Photaros was born in Idiri but had sailed north on pilgrimage to the holy lands of Marzum. While there he heard of the divine messages and miracles associated with al-Azad and of this prophet's vision for a new and freer world, and sought him out in order to learn more. After several months of observing al-Azad's example and deep discussion of the Perfected Song he was converted, and for many years after the Prophet's death he sailed around the Sea of Sala'ah and beyond, Seeking the Song and telling others of Azadi.