Ashab's knowledge in es-sîretü'n-nebeviyye by ibn hişâm

Today, there are many secure written sources in Islam other than Kur?ân?ı Kerîm, foremost owing to Prophet Mohamed (s.a.s) and his beloved followers, Ashab (r.a.). Many of these extensive Hadith as well as history sources were brought together in written format in later periods of time. Siyer sources, belonging to history section, are one of the most important sources in which Ashab have been mentioned. In this regard, publication by Ibn Hişâm (d.218/833) has become a main source that inspired many other writers after him. This thesis, ?Ashab?s knowledge in es-Sîretü?n-nebeviyye by Ibn Hişâm?, involves what kind of knowledge of Ashab was given in Ibn Hişâm?s book, how it was conveyed, and how it affected the other studies after him. In this study, first the rules of being an Ashab were stated, and then whether the names of the persons mentioned in Ibn Hişâm?s book were eligible of being Ashab or not were discussed. Especially, the expressions which point ambiguity as well as the ones determined by SHB method were found, and how these could be used as an indicator in determination of being Ashab were shown. The ones that Ibn Hişâm says as being Ashab were also pointed out. Ibn Hişâm?s book was scanned thoroughly in this regard, and the names eligible being Ashab were listed according to his rules. Two lists were given: the ones that their names were known, which contains 703 men and 56 women, and that their names were not known, having 168 men and women. Ashab groups that mentioned as Akabe, Bedir, and Uhud etc. in es-Sîretü?n-nebeviyye and the group called as Şemâil etc.were also pointed out in the thesis. es-Sîretü?n-nebeviyye has a lot of information related to Ashab, and one could say that this early Siyer source had shed light on many other studies in later periods of time. Keywords: Ibn Hişâm, es-Sîretü?n-nebeviyye, Ashab, Ashab?s knowledge