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The Spectacular Student- Abdullah Ibn Abbas

 


        Despite spending only three years with the Prophet (Pbuh) between the ages of 10 and 13, Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) was extremely devoted to the Prophet (Pbuh). His dedication enabled him to grasp a vast amount of knowledge during this short period, which continues to benefit us today. He went on to narrate over a thousand hadith from the Prophet (Pbuh) and became Habru al-Ummah – “The scholar of this Ummah". People look to him for guidance in tafsir, fiqh, and hadith, making him a revered figure in every aspect.

    This great scholar was born in 3 BH (619-620 CE) and his mother brought him to Muhammad (Pbuh) before he had begun to suckle, initiating a close bond between them. As he grew older, he served the Prophet (Pbuh) in various ways, such as bringing him water for ablution (wudu), praying alongside him and accompanying him on journeys and expeditions. The Prophet (Pbuh) would often draw him close, affectionately pat him on the shoulder, and pray, "O God! Teach him the knowledge of the Book (Qur'an)". He also supplicated for Abdullah Ibn Abbas to gain deep understanding in matters of religion. Ibn Abbas continued to follow the Prophet (Pbuh), diligently memorizing and absorbing his teachings.

     While the Sahabah had the opportunity to embrace Islam simultaneously, Allah chose to bless certain companions with unique gifts. One such individual was Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) who was distinguished by his vast knowledge. When a person is dedicated to seeking knowledge, their pursuit not only benefits humans but also animals, insects, and the environment, and the angels continue to shower blessings upon them.

        Ibn Abbas (RA) was in the presence of angels without interruption from the age of 10, and his pursuit of knowledge persisted even after the Prophet (Pbuh) passed away. After Muhammad's (Pbuh) era, he continued to collect and learn Prophet’s teaching from Prophet’s, especially those who knew him the longest. He would consult multiple Sahaba to confirm narrations, and would go to as many as thirty Companions to verify a single matter.

     Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) was someone who was perpetually in the company of angels. He was known for his constant proximity to angels, as he had been blessed with knowledge and a continuous pursuit of it. In addition to this, he had also been blessed with the opportunity to see Jibreel (AS) on two separate occasions. On one occasion, Abdullah and his father Al-Abbas (RA) went to meet the Prophet (Phuh).  The Prophet (Pbuh) appeared to be ignoring Al-Abbas, but Abdullah was able to see that the Prophet was paying attention to another man who was speaking to him. Al-Abbas was confused and decided to take Abdullah back to the Prophet (Pbuh) to ask him about it. The Prophet (Pbuh) confirmed that the man was Jibreel (AS) and that he was the one who had kept his attention away from Al-Abbas. Thus it confirmed the truth of Abdullah's observation.

     In another incident, al Abbas sent Abdullah to the Prophet (Pbuh)'s home, and when Abdullah arrived, he found the Prophet (Pbuh) sleeping. The Prophet woke up and asked Abdullah when he arrived, to which Abdullah replied that he had been there for about an hour. The Prophet then asked if Abdullah saw anyone with him, and Abdullah responded that he saw a particular man. This man was Jibreel (AS), who was standing guard to protect the Prophet (Pbuh). According to one narration, only Prophets are able to see Jibreel (AS) in this manner, and eventually they lose their vision. It is said that Abdullah eventually lost his vision, but in this instance, the Prophet (Pbuh) made dua for him, asking Allah to teach him proper understanding of the Deen and make him from the people of iman. Abdullah's sighting of Jibreel (AS) was due to his dedication to the knowledge that Jibreel (AS) was bringing to the Prophet (Pbuh) and not because of his age or any other factor.

    As his knowledge grew, he grew in stature. Masruq ibn al Ajda said of him: “Whenever I saw Ibn Abbas, I would say: He is the most handsome of men. When he spoke, I would say: He is the most eloquent of men. And when he held a conversation, I would say: He is the most knowledgeable of men".

 

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