Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) was the son of Abbas (RA), the paternal uncle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was born in Makkah, three years before the Prophet (PBUH) migrated (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah.
Because of his close blood relation to the Prophet (PBUH) and the Prophet’s personal affection for him, he always remained in the company of the Prophet (PBUH). His maternal aunt (mother’s sister), Maimunah (RA), was the wife of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Prophetic Blessings and Supplications
The Prophet (PBUH) once held him close to his chest and supplicated, “O Allah! Teach him wisdom.” According to another narration, he prayed, “O Allah! Grant him the understanding of the Book (the Qur’an).”
On another occasion, when the Prophet (PBUH) had gone to relieve himself, Ibn Abbas (RA)—who was still a young boy—brought water and placed it there for him. Moved by this service, the Prophet (PBUH) made a supplication (Dua): “O Allah! Grant him deep understanding of the religion.”
By virtue of this blessed supplication, Ibn Abbas (RA) became one of the greatest scholars of this Ummah (Muslim community). He emerged as a vast ocean of knowledge, teaching the interpretation of the Qur’an (Tafsir) and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) to the people.
The Great Respect Among the Companions (Sahabah)
Whenever the Sahabah needed an explanation or commentary on the Qur’an, they would approach Ibn Abbas (RA). Because of this, he attained immense honor and respect.
Hazrat Umar (RA) used to invite Ibn Abbas (RA) to his consultative council, seat him close to himself, and honor him, readily accepting his viewpoints. Observing this, some of the Muhajirun (Emigrants) asked Umar (RA):
“We also have sons of similar age. Why don’t you invite them and seat them beside you just as you invite Ibn Abbas?”
Umar (RA) replied by highlighting his excellence, saying:
“Ibn Abbas possesses intellectual maturity; he has a tongue that asks questions, and a heart that thinks and understands.”
Demonstrating His Wisdom: The Commentary on Surah An-Nasr
One day, wishing to demonstrate the exceptional caliber of Ibn Abbas (RA) to the people, Umar (RA) brought him along to the council. Umar (RA) then recited the following chapter from the Qur’an:
إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ وَالْفَتْحُ * وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّهِ أَفْوَاجًا فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا
When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, Then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.
— Surah An-Nasr: 1-3
Umar (RA) asked the assembly, “What do you understand from this Surah?”
Some of them replied, “We have been commanded to praise and glorify Allah when He grants us victory.” Others remained silent.
Umar (RA) then turned to Ibn Abbas (RA) and asked, “Do you say the same, O Ibn Abbas?” He replied, “No.” Umar (RA) asked, “Then what is your interpretation?”
Ibn Abbas (RA) explained:
“This Surah is a forewarning regarding the completion of the lifespan (Ajal) of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Through this, Allah informed the Prophet (PBUH) that his time was drawing to a close. The ‘conquest’ refers to the Conquest of Makkah, which marks your final sign. Therefore, glorify your Lord with praise and seek His forgiveness; indeed, He is the Most Forgiving.”
Hearing this, Umar (RA) remarked, “I do not know anything about it except what you have just said.”
Testimony of Other Companions
- Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA) remarked: “Ibn Abbas is the best commentator of the Qur’an.”
- When someone approached Ibn Umar (RA) to ask for the explanation of a specific Qur’anic verse, he directed them saying: “Go to Ibn Abbas and ask him; for he is the most knowledgeable among living men regarding the revelation sent down upon Muhammad (PBUH).”
Interpreting the verses of the Qur’an is no ordinary matter; even the senior-most Sahabah used to hesitate out of cautious reverence. It is worth noting here that Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) was much younger than most of the other companions.
Once, after the passing of the Prophet (PBUH), the senior and elderly leader Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) approached the young Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) and said: “I am going to perform ablution (Wudu) before you; watch me and see if it matches the way the Prophet (PBUH) used to do it.” SubhanAllah! (Glory be to Allah!)
His Gatherings of Knowledge and Later Life
The famous Tabi’i (successor to the companions), Ata ibn Abi Rabah (RAH), said:
“I have never seen a assembly of learning more honorable or filled with greater reverence than that of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA). It was filled with deep piety. Jurists sat with him, Qur’anic scholars gathered around him, and experts in Arabic poetry attended his circles. Ibn Abbas (RA) was like a vast flowing stream; he taught everyone exactly what they needed before they departed.”
Abu Wa’il (RAH) narrated:
“During the caliphate of Hazrat Uthman (RA), Ibn Abbas (RA) was appointed as the leader (Ameer) of the Hajj. On that occasion, while at the plains of Arafat, he recited Surah An-Nur and explained it verse by verse. I have never heard anyone speak like him, nor have I ever seen anyone like him in knowledge.”
Hazrat Ali (RA) had appointed him as the Governor of Basra in Iraq. After Hazrat Ali (RA) was assassinated in Kufah, Ibn Abbas (RA) returned to the Hijaz region. He stayed in Makkah for some time before moving to Ta’if, where he settled permanently.
It was in Ta’if that he passed away at the age of seventy-one. His resting place is located within the courtyard complex of the Ibn Abbas Mosque in Ta’if.
May Allah expand the afterlife of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) and bestow His infinite mercy upon him. Ameen!
