44/22. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2461b — Ibn Mas'ud's Knowledge of Revelation
The Virtues Of 'Abdullah Bin Mas'ud And His Mother (RA)
Ibn Mas'ud and Knowledge of the Qur'an
Sahih Muslim : 2461b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2461b
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ آدَمَ، حَدَّثَنَا قُطْبَةُ، هُوَ ابْنُ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ، عَنْ أَبِي الأَحْوَصِ، قَالَ كُنَّا فِي دَارِ أَبِي مُوسَى مَعَ نَفَرٍ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ وَهُمْ يَنْظُرُونَ فِي مُصْحَفٍ فَقَامَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ أَبُو مَسْعُودٍ مَا أَعْلَمُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَرَكَ بَعْدَهُ أَعْلَمَ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنْ هَذَا الْقَائِمِ . فَقَالَ أَبُو مُوسَى أَمَا لَئِنْ قُلْتَ ذَاكَ لَقَدْ كَانَ يَشْهَدُ إِذَا غِبْنَا وَيُؤْذَنُ لَهُ إِذَا حُجِبْنَا .
Abu Al-Ahwas Narrated from:
We were in the house of Abu Musa along with some of the companions of 'Abdullah and they were looking at the Holy Book. 'Abdullah stood up, whereupon Abu Mas'ud said: I do not know whether Allah's Messenger, (ﷺ) has left after him one having a better knowledge (of Islam) than the man who is standing. Abu Musa said: If you say this, that is correct, because he had been present when we had been absent and he was permitted when we were detained.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2461bIn-book reference : Book 44, Hadith 160USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 31, Hadith 6020
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2461b
This hadith gives a clear statement about Ibn Mas'ud's knowledge. Abu Ahwas says they were in Abu Musa's house with some companions of Abdullah while they were looking at a mushaf. When Abdullah stood up, Abu Mas'ud said that he did not know whether Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم had left after him anyone with better knowledge of what Allah revealed than the man standing. Abu Musa agreed with the meaning and mentioned that Ibn Mas'ud was present when they were absent and was permitted when they were detained. For people searching for Ibn Mas'ud Qur'an knowledge, Sahih Muslim 2461b, or best knowledge of revelation hadith, this narration shows recognition from other Companions.
What we learn from this hadith
- Ibn Mas'ud was praised for his knowledge of what Allah revealed.
- Other Companions recognized his learning and special access.
- The setting includes companions looking at the Holy Book.
- Presence with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم is shown as a reason for deep learning.
