Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (radiallahu anh) is one of the may Companions (sahaba) from whom the great Imams of jurisprudence have related hadiths and after whom modelled their juridical opinions. He is one of the most revered Companions and is known for his deep understanding of the Holy Qur’an and jurisprudence (fiqh). Many of his narrations form the basis of numerous opinions in the Hanafi school. Therefore, in an attempt to discredit the Hanafi school, some have atacked this great Companion of Allah’s Messenger (salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and hurled a great amount of criticism at him. Below are some of the virtues and merits of this great Companion in the words of the Messenger (salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). It is hoped that the words of the Messenger (salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will provide an effective means of correcting misconceptions and establishing the true status of this great Companion.
Most of the narrations quoted here have been taken from ‘Allama Shawkani’s ‘Durr al-Sahaba’. It is related that ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه was very close to the Messenger
. He was permitted to enter his house frequently and was also his companion on many journeys. He benfitted immensely from the Messenger
. ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Zayd relates:
“I asked Hudhayfa رضي الله عنه to inform me about someone who closely resembled the Messenger in manner, conduct, and behaviour, so that I could learn from him. He replied, ‘We are not aware of anyone who possess a closer resemblance to the Messenger in manner, conduct, and habit than Ibn Ummi ‘Abd. This is until he enters his house (after which we are not aware).'”
Ibn Ummi ‘Abd was the agnomen of ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه, since Ummi ‘Abd was his mother’s name. Hudhayfa رضي الله عنه meant that although he was not aware of the life of ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه at home, his social conduct surely resembled that of the Messenger of Allah
. Abu Musa رضي الله عنه narrates:
“My brother and I arrived from Yemen and remained (in Madina) for some time. We were led to believe that ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه and his mother were part of the Messenger’s household due to their (frequent) visits to his home and his attachment to them.”
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