‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd

Before Islam, 437 individuals were named ‘Abdullāh, all of whom embraced Islam and had the honor of being in the company of the Prophet ﷺ. Among these individuals, notable figures include ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar, ‘Abdullāh ibn Zubair, and ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As.

‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd was the sixth person to accept Islam. He was known for his close companionship with the Prophet ﷺ and visited him so frequently that some companions, such as Sayyidunā Abū Dharr al-Ghifārī, believed he was part of the Prophet’s family.

He was given special titles, including Ṣāḥib al-Wisādah (Bearer of the Pillow), Ṣāḥib al-Siwāk (Bearer of the Toothbrush), and Ṣāḥib al-Nalayn (Bearer of the Sandals), and was recognized as one of the Prophet’s special helpers.

‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd migrated to Abyssinia and participated in the Battle of Badr. His mannerisms and physical features were said to resemble those of the Prophet ﷺ, and Sayyidunā ‘Umar (r.a.) described him as a “vessel filled with knowledge.”

He was known for his intelligence, attention to detail, and dedication to knowledge, which earned him high regard among the companions. Due to his natural abilities, he achieved a unique status. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, “Whoever pleases ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd, I am pleased with them.”

Allāma Ibn al-Qayyim listed ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd as one of the six main companions of the Prophet ﷺ recognized by all companions for issuing legal rulings (iftā). The six companions were:

1. Sayyidunā ‘Umar (r.a.)
2. Sayyidunā ‘Ali (r.a.)
3. Sayyidunā Zayd ibn Thābit (r.a.)
4. Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd (r.a.)
5. Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (r.a.)
6. Sayyidunā ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (r.a.)

Sayyidunā ‘Umar (r.a.) appointed ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd to teach Islam and serve as a qādi (judge) in Kūfa. He brought with him 1,500 students to assist in the task. Sayyidunā ‘Umar (r.a.) famously remarked, “I am in more need of Ibn Mas’ūd’s knowledge, but I have preferred you over myself, and thus I have sent him to you.”

During the caliphate of Sayyidunā ‘Uthmān (r.a.), ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas’ūd returned to Madīnah. He passed away in 32 Hijrī at the age of 60 and was buried in Jannat al-Baqī, in Madīnah.