‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)

Introduction

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was one of the foremost to embrace Islam, one of the learned ones. He witnessed the battle of Badr and he emigrated twice (once to Abyssinia and then to al-Madinah). He had many merits (good qualities) and he imparted abundant knowledge. [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’]

lbn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) declared his belief in the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) even before he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) entered Daar al-Arqam. He was one of the early Muslims, being the sixth person to embrace Islam and follow the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He was thin and short and had dark skin. He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) dressed well and had a pleasant smell.

He was appointed as judge in Kufa and was in charge of Bait-al-Maal (finance house of the Muslims) at the time of ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and in the beginning of the era of the Caliphate of ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). He passed away in the year 32 A.H. and was buried in al-Baqii when he was in his early sixties. [Sifat as-Safwah]

Story of his acceptance of Islam

When he was still a youth, not yet past the age of puberty, he used to roam the mountain trails of Makkah far away from people, tending the flocks of a Quraish chieftain, Uqbah ibn Mu’ayt. People called him “Ibn Umm ‘Abd”- the son of the mother of a slave. His real name was ‘Abdullaah and his father’s name was Mas’oud.

The youth had heard the news of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who had appeared among his people, but he did not attach any importance to it both because of his age and because he was usually far away from Makkan society. It was his custom to leave early in the morning with the flock of Uqbah and not return until nightfall.

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) relates his first encounter with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam):

“I was a young shepherd boy responsible for the sheep of Uqbah ibn Mu’ayt. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once came with Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and said: ‘O boy, do you have milk for us to drink?’ and I said: ‘Yes, but I am entrusted (i.e. I cannot let you drink their milk, because the sheep are not mine. I am only responsible for looking after them).’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Do you have a ewe (female sheep) that has never mated with a male?’¹Female sheep (ewes) do not produce milk constantly. Rather, they produce milk during the 80-100 days after the weaning of lambs. I said: ‘Yes’ and brought it to them. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam) held it and stroked its udder and prayed to Allaah till the udder filled. Then he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) milked the sheep, drank and let Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) drink too. Then, after that, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to the udder: ‘Shrink,’ and it did.” [Imaam Ahmad added, saying: “I (Ábdullaah ibn Mas’oud) went to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) after this incident and said to him: ‘Teach me this kind of speech.’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘May Allaah show mercy to you, you are a learned boy.’”] [Reported by Ahmad, and Arna’oot said its chain is good]

In another narration, Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I went to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) after this incident and said to him: ‘Teach me this kind of speech.’ He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘You are a learnt boy.’ I (Ibn Mas’oud), in fact, learnt more than seventy Surahs of the Qur’an from the mouth (i.e. heard directly) of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). I have a better understanding of the Book of Allaah than any one of you.” [Reported by Ibn Sa’d in at-Tabaqaat and Ahmad and Abu Nu’aim, and Arna’oot said its chain is good] 

Indeed, while lbn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was fascinated by the sheep’s udder filling with milk before its time, he did not realize that he was witnessing one of the smaller miracles of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and soon he would witness greater miracles of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) which would shake the whole world, filling it with light and guidance. He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) did not realize on that day, that he (himself) who tended the sheep of Uqbah ibn Mu’ayt, would become one of the believers who would defeat the pride of the Quraish with his faith, and defeat the tyranny of its chieftain.[Men around the Rasool (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)]

It was not long after that, that ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) became a Muslim and offered to be in the service of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) agreed and from that day, the fortunate ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) gave up tending sheep in exchange for looking after the needs of the blessed Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

His Status with Allaah (Azza wa Jall)

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was among those noble Companions about whom Allaah (Ta’ala) sent down verses in the Qur’an.

In the verses, Allaah (Ta’ala) prohibited the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) from turning the Companions away from his assembly; saying that he should bring them close to him, for they are the ones who would sacrifice their blood, wealth and souls to support the religion.

Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “We were six men with the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The polytheists said: ‘Expel these men lest they become a burden upon us [i.e. they wished to hold council only with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)].’ We were: myself, Ibn Mas’oud, a man from Hudhail tribe, Bilal and two men whose names I do not remember. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was thinking to himself and then Allaah (Ta’ala) revealed (interpretation of meaning): “And turn not away those who invoke their Lord in the morning and afternoon seeking His Face.” [Surat al-An’aam (6:52)].” [Reported by Muslim]

The first person to recite the Qur’an publicly

Let us hear an eye witness, Az-Zubair (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), describe the exciting scene:

The Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), still few in number, weak and oppressed, were together one day in Makkah. They said: “The Quraish have not yet heard the Qur’an being recited openly and loudly. Who is the man who will recite it for them?”

“I shall recite it for them,” volunteered ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

“We are afraid for you” they said. “We only want someone who has a clan who will protect him from their evil.”

“Let me,” ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ’anhu) insisted. “Allaah will protect me and keep me away from their evil.” He then went out to the mosque until he reached Maqaam Ibraheem (a few meters from the Ka’bah). It was dawn and the Quraish were sitting around the Ka’bah. ‘Abdullaah stopped at the Maqaam (station) and began to recite:

“Bismillaahir Rahmaani-r Rahim. Ar-Rahmaan. `Allama al-Qur’an. Khalaqa-l insaan. Allamahu-l bayaan . . . (In the name of Allaah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. The Merciful Allaah. He has taught the Qur’an. He has created man and taught him the clear truth . . .)” [Surat ar-Rahmaan (55:1-4)]

He continued reciting. The Quraish looked at him intently and some of them asked:

“What is Ibn Umm ‘Abd saying?”

“Damn him! He is reciting some of what Muhammad brought!” they realized.

They went up to him and began beating him as he continued reciting. When he went back to his Companions, blood was flowing from his face.

“This is what we feared for you,” they said.

“By Allaah,” replied ‘Abdullaah, “Those enemies of Allaah have never been more worthless to me than at this moment. If you wish, I shall go out tomorrow and do the same.”

“You have done enough” they said. “You have made them hear what they dislike.” [Its chain is correct and connected. Al-Qurtubi has mentioned it in his Tafseer and at-Tabari in his Tareekh]

His upbringing in the shade of the Revelation

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) remained closely attached to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He was the secret Companion of the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), attending to his needs both inside and outside the house. He would accompany him on journeys and expeditions. He would wake him when he slept. He would shield him when he washed. He would carry his staff and his Siwak (toothbrush), pillow and slippers, and attend to his other personal needs.

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas`oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) received a unique training in the household of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Under the guidance of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), he adopted his manner and followed his every trait until it was said of him: “He was the closest to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in character.”

Al-Bukhaari (Rahimahullaah) reported on the authority of Hudhaifah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that he said: “From among the people, Ibn Umm ‘Abd greatly resembled Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in solemn gait and appearance, calmness and sobriety, from the time he leaves his house till he returns to it. But we do not know how he behaves with his family when he is alone with them.” [Al-Bukhaari- Kitaab al-Adab (Book of Manners)]

Ibn Mas’oud’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) status was so great with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He [the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] granted him the privilege to enter upon him whenever he wished. One time the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told him: “My permission to you is that you may raise the curtains.” [Reported by Muslim no. 2169] This indicates his being allowed to knock at the Prophet’s door at any time during the day or night.

Some of the Companions thought he was one of the members of the family of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) because of his entering upon him (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) so often.

Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “My brother and I came from Yemen, and for some time we continued to consider ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) as one of the members of the family of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) because we used to see him and his mother entering the house of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) quite often.” [Al-Bukhaari -The Book of the Merits of the Companions]

His Jihad in the Cause of Allaah

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) witnessed all the battles with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam); he (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) never stayed behind in any battle. He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had an impressive attitude in the battle of Badr when he killed Abu Jahl after his (Abu Jahl’s) having been injured by the two sons of ‘Afraa’.

Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Who will go and see what has happened to Abu Jahl?’ Whereupon Ibn Mas`oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) went and found that the two sons of ‘Afraa’ had struck him fatally (he was in his last breaths). ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘Are you Abu Jahl?’ And took him by the beard. Abu Jahl said: ‘Can there be a man superior to one whom they have killed, or one whom his own folk have killed?’” [Al-Bukhaari- the Book of al-Maghazi (battles)]

Allaah exalts people with the Qur’an

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) is from among those whom Allaah (Ta’ala) has exalted their status and raised their fame. ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was accompanying the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), taking the Qur’an from him, as fresh and new, until he became one of the best among the Companions in recitation of the Qur’an and its sciences. This prompted the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to advise his Companions to learn the Qur’an from ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

Masruq narrated that ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was mentioned before ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). The latter said: “That is a man I continue to love because I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: ‘Learn the recitation of the Qur’an from (any of these) four persons: `Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud, Saalim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifah, Ubayy ibn Ka’b, and Mu’adh ibn Jabal (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhum).” I do not remember whether he mentioned Ubayy first or Mu’adh. [Al-Bukhaari- the Book of the Merits of the Companions]

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “By Allaah, other than Whom none has the right to be worshipped! There is not a Surah revealed in Allaah’s Book but I know at what place it was revealed, and there is no verse revealed in Allaah’s Book but I know about whom it was revealed. And if I knew that there was somebody who knows Allaah’s Book better than me, and he is at a place that camels can reach, I would go to him.” [Al-Bukhaari- the Book of the Virtues of the Qur`an]

Shaqeeq ibn Salamah narrated that once `Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) delivered a Khutbah (religious talk) before us and said: “By Allaah, I learned over seventy Surahs directly from the mouth of Allaah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). By Allaah, the Companions of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) came to know that I am one of those who knows Allaah’s Book better than of all of them, yet I am not the best of them.”

Shaqeeq added: “I sat in his religious gathering and I did not hear anybody opposing him (in his speech).” [Al-Bukhaari- the Book of the Virtues of the Qur’an]

The Qur’an was coming out of his mouth as fresh as when it was revealed

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “One night the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was having a conversation with Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) about the situation of the Muslims. ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was with them. When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left, they left with him, and as they passed through the mosque, there was a man standing in prayer whom they did not recognize. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) stood and listened to him and then he said: ‘Whoever wants to read the Qur’an as fresh as when it was revealed, then let him read according to the recitation of Ibn Umm ‘Abd.’”

After the prayer, as ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ánhu) sat making supplications, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ask and it will be given to you. Ask and it will be given to you.”

‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I said to myself- I shall go to ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) straight away and tell him the good news of the Prophet’s (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ensuring the acceptance of his supplications. I went, but found that Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) had gone before me and conveyed the good news to him. By Allaah, I have never yet beaten Abu Bakr (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) in the doing of any good.” [Reported by Ahmad in al-Musnad and al-Haakim. Al-Arna’oot said its chain is good]

The beloved Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wept while hearing the recitation of Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)

It brought pleasure to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when he heard the Qur’an being recited from the mouth of lbn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once called on him and said: ‘Recite to me, ‘Abdullaah.’ And ‘Abdullaah said: ‘How can I recite to you when it was revealed to you?’ The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘I like to hear it from others.’ Thereupon, lbn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) started reading part of Surat an-Nisaa’ till he reached the verse: “How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you as a witness against those people?” (Surat an-Nisaa’ 4:41). Upon hearing this, the Prophet’s eyes flooded with tears and he waved to lbn Mas’oud saying: ‘Enough, enough, lbn Mas’oud.’ [Muslim]

His legs are heavier than the mountain of Uhud

Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu `anhu) narrated that once he climbed a tree to pick some arak sticks for the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and the wind was about to topple him, whereupon the Companions laughed at him. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “What are you laughing at?” They said: “At the thinness of his legs, O Prophet of Allaah.” He (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, they are heavier than the mountain of Uhud on the balance (of justice on the Day of Resurrection).” [Reported by Ahmad and at-Tabaraani]

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) testified for him, that he is from the people of Imaan (faith) and Taqwaa (piety).

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “When the verse was revealed (interpretation of the meaning): ‘There is no harm on those who believe and do good deeds, what they ate (in the past) if they fear (Allaah) and believe’ [Surat al-Maídah 5:93] up to the end. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to me: ‘You are one of them.’” [Muslim]

Once the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told his Companions: “Follow the example of my two Companions, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar after me, and follow the guidance of ‘Ammar, and hold with the method (covenant) of Ibn Mas’oud.”[Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah and al-Haakim]

This was a great advice of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for his Companions showing the status (high position) of Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) was following the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and taking the Qur’an from him till the last day of his life. He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) learned everything about the Qur’an and excelled other Companions in the Qur’an and its sciences.

Abu Dhibian narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) asked them: “According to which recitation are you reciting the Qur’an?” We said: “The recitation of ‘Abdullaah.” He (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhuma) said: “The Qur’an was being presented to the Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once every year, and it was presented to him twice in the year which he passed away in and `Abdullaah witnessed what was abrogated.” [Reported by an-Nasaa’i]

His state after the death of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)

“’Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) remained accompanying the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), staying firm on his religion and faith, reciting the Book of his Lord, maintaining the Sunnah of his beloved Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) till the day darkness fell upon al-Madinah by the death of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu `anhu) became intensely sad. This is because, he lost his beloved Prophet and Messenger who was his teacher and master, in a moment.

After the death of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), the Companions were giving Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu `anhu) his due estimate knowing his status and position.

The Commander of the faithful, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) appointed him as director of the treasury (Bait al-Maal) in Kufa and he said to the people there: “I am sending to you, Ammar as Amir and Ibn Mas’oud as a teacher and a minister. They are of the noble Companions of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and from the people of Badr. So listen to them and follow their example. And know that I have given you a preference over myself when I sent ‘Abdullaah to you to learn from him.” [Reported by Ibn Sa’d and al-Haakim]

The people of Kufa liked him as they never liked anyone before him. It was a real miracle that all the people of Kufa agreed on liking somebody, because they were known to be a people of rebellion and mutiny.

His fear and weeping

Masrooq reported that a man in the company of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud said: “I do not wish to be from amongst the companions of the Right Hand, I wish to be from amongst the Muqarraboon (those who are brought close to Allaah)!” So ‘Abdullaah said: “But here is a man who wishes that if he died he would not be resurrected [out of fear of Allaah].” Meaning himself.

Al-Hasan al-Basri reported on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), that he said: “If I were to stand between Paradise and Hell on the Day of Resurrection and I was told to choose which is more beloved to you to be from, Paradise, Hell or to be ash? I would like to be ash.”

Abu Waa’il reported that ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “I would like that Allaah forgives me one of my sins, and that no one knows my lineage.” [Sifat As-Safwah]

‘Awn ibn ‘Abdullaah reported on the authority of his nephew that when the eyes (of people) go to rest (at night, i.e. sleep) he (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) would get up and I could hear his weeping like the buzzing of the bees.” [Al-Fasawi in al-Ma’rifah and by Ibn Sa’d]

His humbleness

Habeeb ibn Abi Thaabit said: “He (’Abdullaah Radia-Allaahu ánhu) left his house one day and people followed him, so he said to them: “Is there anything that you need?” They said: “No, but we want to walk with you.” He said: “Go back, because it is lowly/ dishonorable for the follower, and a Fitnah for the one being followed.”

Al-Haarith ibn Suwaid said: “’Abdullaah used to say: ‘If you know what I know about myself you would pour sand over my head.’”[Sifaat as-Safwah]

His respect for the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) while he (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was alive and after he (Salla-Allaahu álayhi wa sallam) died

Ibn Mas’oud’s (Radia-Allaahu ánhu) attitude towards the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was always one of respect and politeness. This was even after the Prophet died. Although he seldom mentioned the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) after his death, in most cases, when he did mention him, he would begin to tremble and shake, and all the signs of worry and perplexity would appear on him. This occurred whenever his lips began to murmur: ‘I heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say’, lest he should forget or change one single letter of what was said.

‘Amr ibn Maimun reported: “I was visited frequently by lbn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) for about a year, during which time I did not hear him speak about the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). But one day he was talking and he uttered: ‘The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said…’ At that moment he was noticeably troubled and started to sweat and corrected himself: ‘The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said something like that.’” [Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Sa’d]

Alqamah ibn Qais reported: “lbn Mas’oud used to speak to people every Thursday night. I never heard him saying: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,” but once; he said it and he was leaning on a stick that started to shake in his hand.”

His Status in the heart of the Companions

Once, the Caliph `Umar ibn al-Khattaab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) met a caravan on one of his journeys. It was pitch dark and the caravan could not be seen properly. `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) ordered someone to hail the caravan. It happened that ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu `anhu) was in it.

“From where do you come?” asked `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

“From a deep valley,” came the reply. (The expression used ‘fadj amiq’- deep valley- is a Qur’anic one.)

“And where are you going?” asked `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

“To the ancient house,” came the reply. (The expression used ‘al-bayt al-atiq’- the ancient house- is a Qur’anic one.)

“There is a learned person (‘Aalim) among them,” said `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), and he commanded someone to ask the person:

“Which part of the Qur’an is the greatest?”

“Allaah. There is no god deserves to be worshipped except Him, the Living, the Self subsisting. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep,” replied the person answering, quoting Ayat al-Kursiyy (2:255)

“Which part of the Qur’an is the most clear on justice?”

“Allaah commands what is just and Ihsaan [i.e. to be patient in performing ones duties to Allaah, totally for Allaah’s Sake and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in a perfect manner], and giving help to kith and kin …” [Surat an-Nahl 16:90] came the answer.

“What is the most comprehensive statement of the Qur’an?” said `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu).

“Whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil shall see it.” [Surat az-Zalzalah (99:7-8)] said Ibn Mas’oud.

“Which part of the Qur’an is more fearful?” said `Umar (Radia-Allaahu ánhu).

“It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof” [Surat an-Nisaa’ (4:123)] said Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ánhu).

“Which part of the Qur’an gives rise to the greatest hope?” said `Umar.

“Say, O my servants who have wasted their resources, do not despair of the Mercy of Allaah. Indeed, Allaah forgives all sins. He is the Forgiving, the Compassionate” [Surat az-Zumar (39:53)] said Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ánhu).

Thereupon, ‘Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) asked: “Is ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) among you?”

“Yes, by Allaah” the men in the caravan replied.

Abul-Ahwas reported: “We were in Abu Musa’s (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) house with some companions of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) and they were looking at the Holy Book. ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) stood up, whereupon Abu Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left no man behind who knows Allaah’s Revelation more than this man standing (i.e. Ibn Mas’oud).’ Abu Musa (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: ‘You say so because he used to be present [with the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] when we were absent, and he was permitted to enter his house when we were not.’” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

His Departure

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) lived till the time of  Khalifah ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). When he was sick and on his death-bed, ‘Uthmaan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) came to visit him and asked:

“What is your ailment?”

“My sins.”

“And what do you desire?”

“The mercy of my Lord.”

“Shall I order the doctor to come to you?”

“At-Tabeeb (i.e. Allaah) is the One Who has (decreed) and made me sick.”

“Shall I not give you your stipend which you have refused to take for years now?”

“I have no need of it.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’]

That night, ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) passed away to the company of his Lord, his tongue moist with the remembrance of Allaah and with the recitation of the verses of His Book.

Some of his sayings (Words that fill the heart with light)

– Abul-Ahwas reported that ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to say: “None of you should make Taqleed (blindly follow) another man in regards to his religion, if he [the one being followed] believes then he believes and if he disbelieves then he disbelieves. If you had to blindly follow someone, then take those who have passed away as examples, for indeed those who are alive are not safe from Fitnah.”

– ‘Awn ibn ‘Abdullaah reported that Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to say: “Knowledge is not in narrating a lot, but knowledge is fear [of Allaah].”

– ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud narrated on the authority of his father, that a man said to him: “Teach me some words that are concise and beneficial!” So he said: “Worship Allaah and do not associate any partners with him. Follow the Qur’an wherever it directs you. Whoever comes with the truth, accept it from him even if he is distant and hated by you, and whoever comes with falsehood, then reject it even if he is close and beloved to you.”

– ‘Anbas ibn Uqbah narrated that Ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “By Allaah, Who there is no deity deserves to be worshipped except Him, there is nothing on the face of the earth that is more in need of being imprisoned for a lengthy period of time than the tongue.”

– Mundhir said: “Some people came to ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). The people wondered at their big stature and good health. ‘Abdullaah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “You see that the Kaafir is the healthiest in his body among the people and most sick in his heart. And you see the believer most sound in his heart and most sick in his body. By Allaah, if your heart becomes sick and your body becomes good, then you become more despised to Allaah than the scarabs.”

Sources:

 Companions of the Prophet, by Abdul Wahid Hamid

Ashaab ar-Rasool by Mahmoud al-Masri