Download PDF: [S] Abdullah ibn Abbas (Islamic Story)

He was that blessed companion for whom the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – made a special Du’a, “O Allah! Please make him understand religion (in other words, become a great Jurist), and give him knowledge of the Book.”

 

We are speaking about the blessed son of the uncle of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – namely, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them.

 

It is mentioned that one day a famous poet arrived in his gathering, recited a very lengthy poem and then left. The poem consisted of about seventeen couplets. After the poet had left, discussion turned to his poem. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – began to explain each line of this poem and the people listening to this explanation were shocked because he had only heard this poem once and yet he was explaining it line by line. (Tadween Hadith)

 

It is mentioned that once, during the era of Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Ghani – may Allah be pleased with him – a standoff occurred in Africa between the Muslims and troops which appeared from Africa. The Muslim Governor in Egypt at the time was Abdullah ibn Abi Sarrah. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – sent to join this expedition.

 

One day, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – also appeared in front of the opposition leader whose name was Jarjeer and they had a discussion. After listening to Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them –  the king was amazed at the brilliance and intelligence of the blessed companion. He then mentioned to the blessed companion, “It is my opinion that you are indeed Hibrul Arab.” (in other words, the greatest scholar in Arabia). (Seerat As Sahaabah)

 

After all, why should this not be? The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – had made Dua for him on many occasions. This is indeed the share of those who are lucky and fortunate.

 

One of the students of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them, namely Shafeeq Taaba’I, narrates that, “On one occasion in Hajj, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – delivered the Khutbah. In this Khutbah, he explained or delivered a Tafseer on Surah Nur. What can I say about what type of Tafseer this was? I have never seen something like this before and my ears have never heard anything like it before. If this Tafseer was heard by the people in Persia and Rome, there would be nothing stopping them from accepting Islam.” (Mustadarak by Haakim, Seerat As Sahaabah)

 

This is the reason that the people who attended his blessed classes came from all walks of life. Hundreds of students came to him every day, merely to seek his advice and guidance. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – had dedicated every moment of his life in spreading Islamic knowledge and educating others.

 

One of his students, Abu Saleh Tabaa’I, mentions that, “I have seen such amazing gatherings around the blessed companion that all of the Quraish put together would not even be able to fully praise it. In fact, there used to be so many people in front of the blessed house of this amazing companion that it was difficulty to even go and come to his house.

 

“I once went to his blessed house and he asked me for water. After I had brought water, he made Wudu. After sitting, he said to me, ‘Go and call all those people who wish to ask questions which pertain to the Qur’an. In other words, questions which pertain to the science of the Qur’an.’

 

“I went and called these people. Very soon, the house was full with people. Whatever question he was asked, he gave them more answer than was expected. (After these people had left), he then said to me to go and call those people who had questions pertaining to Haraam and Halaal and other Islamic legal issues.

 

“This group also filled the house and he gave them answers immediately without even taking time to think. In fact, like his normal method, he gave them more answers than they expected. They then left.

 

“He then asked me to call those people who had questions which related to inheritance and other financial issues. After he had completed with these people, he then asked me to call those people who had questions pertaining to the Arabic language, poetry etc. These people then entered the house and again the house was filled with people. He answered every question which was presented to him.  In fact, even more than they has asked in the first place.”

 

Abu Saleh – may Allah be pleased with him – admits that he had never seen anyone who had such large gatherings of people in front of him waiting to ask questions. (Mutadrak, Haakim, Seerat As Sahaabah).

 

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – had stated his blessed companions are like the stars, whoever you will follow, you will be guided. The example of Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas – may Allah be pleased with them – was a visible example of this Prophetic fact.

 

There is also no doubt that these were those personalities who taught the Taaba’een and those who came after them and this Silisilah has continued over many centuries. It proves that all knowledge came from the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – as was given to him by Allah Almighty and through him, his blessed companions and blessed family received this amazing ocean of knowledge.