Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA)

Abdullah Ibn Masud was one of the closest companions of the Prophet (SAW). His real name was Abdullah and his father’s name was Masud. He accepted Islam at a young age and offered to be in the service of the Prophet (SAW), the Prophet (SAW) accepted and Abdullah Ibn Masud would run various errands for the Prophet (SAW). Before his acceptance of Islam he used to take care of a flock of sheep for one of the chieftain on the Quraysh whose name was Uqbah Ibn Muayt. His tendency was to leave with the flock in the morning and return at nightfall. From a very young age he used to roam the mountains and stay as far away from the people of Makkah as possible.

One day while tending the flock he saw two middle-aged men walking towards him, their lips where dry, they were thirsty and tired. The two men greeted him and asked him, “Young man milk one of these sheep for us that we may quench our thirst and recover our strength.” “I cannot”, replied Abdullah Ibn Masud, “these sheep are not mine. I am only responsible for looking after them.” The two men did not argue but were pleased with the boy for his honest reply. These two men were in fact the beloved Prophet (SAW) and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA). They had gone out to escape from the violent persecution of the Quraysh. Abdullah Ibn Masud was impressed by the Prophet (SAW) and soon became attached to him.

After Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) accepted Islam he offered to be in the service of the Prophet. He used to attend with the Prophet (SAW) on expeditions, he used to wake him, he used to carry his miswak and do various other things for the beloved Prophet (SAW). He was continuously in the company of the Prophet (SAW) and quickly adapted to the manner of the Prophet (SAW) to the extent that it was said ‘he was the closest to the Prophet (SAW) in character’.

Abdullah Ibn Masud was a very intellectual person; he was one of the most learned in the topic of Qur’an and had beautiful recitation.  There was a story regarding his knowledge of the Qur’an. A man came to ‘Umar Ibn Khattab as he was standing on the plain of ‘Arafat and said: ‘I have come, oh Amir-ul-Mu’mineen, from Kufa where I left a man filling copies of the Qur’an from memory.’ ‘Umar Ibn Khattab became very angry and started pacing back and forth his camel. ‘Who is he?’ asked ‘Umar (RA). ‘Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA)’, replied the man. ‘Umar’s anger subsided and he regained his composure and said, ‘Woe to you, By Allah I do not know of any person left who is more qualified in the matter than he is. Let me tell you this.’  ‘Umar continued: ‘One night the messenger of Allah (SAW) was having a conversation with Abu Bakr (RA) about the situation of the Muslims. I was with them. When the Prophet (SAW) left we left with him also and as we passed through the mosque, there was a man standing in prayer whom we did not recognise. The Prophet (SAW) stood and listened to him, and then he turned to us and said, “Whoever wants to read the Qur’an as fresh as when it was revealed, and then let him read according to the recitation of Umm Ibn Abd (RA).” Such was the knowledge of Abdullah Ibn Masud.

Abdullah Ibn Masud was a brave person. There is a story from the time the Muslims were still few in number and the Quraysh still hadn’t heard the recitation of the Qur’an. The companions said, ‘Who is the man who can recite for them (the Quraysh)?’ ‘I shall recite for them ’volunteered Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA). ‘We are afraid for you’, they said, ‘we only want someone who has a clan that could protect them from their evil.’ ‘Let me’ Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) insisted. ‘Allah shall protect me and keep me away from their evil.’ He went to the mosque until he reached Maqam Ibrahim. It was dawn and the Quraysh were still sitting round the Kabah. Abdullah began to recite Surah Rahman. The Quraysh looked at him and said, ‘What is Ibn Umm Abd saying? Damn him! He is reciting some of what Muhammad (SAW) brought.’
They began to beat him while he continued to recite. When he concluded his recitation, his face was covered with blood. ‘By Allah’ said Abdullah (RA) the enemies of Allah are more uncomfortable than I am at this moment. If you wish, I shall return tomorrow and do the same.’ ‘You have done enough’ they said ‘You have made them hear what they dislike.’

Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) lived to the Khalifa of Uthman (RA). While he was sick Uthman (RA) came to visit him on his death-bed and Uthman asked Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Masud: "What is your ailment (illness)? and Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) replied, "My sins". "What do you desire?" asked Uthman (RA). "The Mercy of my Lord." Replied Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA). "Should i not give you your stipend which you have refused to take for years now?" Asked Uthman (RA). "I have no need of it." Replied Abdullah Ibn Masud. "Let it be for your daughters after you."

"Do you fear poverty for my children? I have commanded them to read Surah al-Waqiah every night for I have heard the Prophet saying, "Whoever reads Al-Waqiah every night shall not be afflicted by poverty ever." That night Abdullah Ibn Masud (RA) died with his tounge moist with the remembrance of his Lordand with the recitation of His book. 

And Allah knows best.