Learning from the Salaf

The early generations, the Salaf, didn't always have direct teachings from the Prophet Muhammad SAW to refer to. Sometimes they could infer that the Sahaba got information from the Prophet, while other times it was evident they obtained it elsewhere. They would seek knowledge from converts from the people of the book when discussing topics related to Bani Israel, like events in Jerusalem's history. The consensus is that two significant events occurred: the Babylonian siege and captivity led by Nebuchadnezzar around 597 BCE.