44/22. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2461a — Ibn Mas'ud's Rank Among Companions
The Virtues Of 'Abdullah Bin Mas'ud And His Mother (RA)
Ibn Mas'ud's Presence When Others Were Absent
Sahih Muslim : 2461a
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2461a
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، وَابْنُ، بَشَّارٍ - وَاللَّفْظُ لاِبْنِ الْمُثَنَّى - قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ، بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الأَحْوَصِ، قَالَ شَهِدْتُ أَبَا مُوسَى وَأَبَا مَسْعُودٍ حِينَ مَاتَ ابْنُ مَسْعُودٍ فَقَالَ أَحَدُهُمَا لِصَاحِبِهِ أَتُرَاهُ تَرَكَ بَعْدَهُ مِثْلَهُ فَقَالَ إِنْ قُلْتَ ذَاكَ إِنْ كَانَ لَيُؤْذَنُ لَهُ إِذَا حُجِبْنَا وَيَشْهَدُ إِذَا غِبْنَا .
Abu'l-Ahwas Narrated from:
I was along with Abu Musa and Abu Mas'ud as Ibn Mas'ud died and one of them said to the other: Do you find one like him besides him? Thereupon he said: Do you say this (no one can be his rival)? He was admitted (to the company of the Holy Prophet) whereas we were detained and he had been present in the company of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) whereas we had been absent.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2461aIn-book reference : Book 44, Hadith 159USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 31, Hadith 6019
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2461a
This hadith records words spoken when Ibn Mas'ud died. Abu'l-Ahwas was with Abu Musa and Abu Mas'ud, and one of them asked whether anyone like Ibn Mas'ud remained after him. The reply pointed to his special access: he was admitted when others were kept back, and he was present in the company of Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم when others were absent. The narration does not list all his deeds. It focuses on his closeness, presence, and access to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. For searches like Sahih Muslim 2461a, virtues of Ibn Mas'ud, or Ibn Mas'ud admitted when others were detained, this hadith shows how senior Companions recognized his standing.
What we learn from this hadith
- Ibn Mas'ud was remembered with honor after his death.
- His access to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was noted by other Companions.
- Being present with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم gave him a special place in their eyes.
- The report teaches respect for people known for close learning and service.
