Why did God favor the Companions over others, and why will no one else attain their status, no matter what they do, and what are God's criteria for favoring people?

It is not permissible to question the criteria by which Allah favors people, for Allah is not to be questioned about what He does. Furthermore, the questioner's assertion that it is impossible for a Muslim to achieve even a tenth of the reward of the Companions is incorrect. Some scholars, such as Al-Hafiz Ibn Abd al-Barr, have opined that there may be individuals who come after some Companions who are superior to them, citing hadiths that indicate an equalization of the reward for good deeds between the first of the Ummah and its last, especially in times of corruption.

The preference between people is subject to Allah Almighty's wisdom and His knowledge of what is in the hearts of all beings. The status of the Companions came after great trials, as indicated by the story of Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him) in the Battle of the Trench.

It suffices for a Muslim to love Allah and His Messenger, and the people of goodness, to be with those he loves, as stated in the hadith: "You are with whom you love."