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He answered, "By means of a questioning tongue and a reasoning mind." Through his continuously
inquiring tongue, his ever- detecting mind, and, moreover, his humility and gentleness, Ibn `Abbaas was
to become the nation's scholar.
Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas described him in the following words: I've never seen one with such presence
of mind nor more intellectual and milder than Ibn `Abbaas. I've seen `Umar (May Allah be pleased with
him), although surrounded by those who attended Badr, inviting him to discuss difficult problems.
Whenever lbn `Abbaas spoke out his view point, 'Umar always stuck to it.
`Ubaid Allah Ibn `Utbah once said: I've never seen anyone more knowledgeable in the Prophet's
hadiith than Ibn `Abbaas. Neither did I see anyone more knowledgeable during Abu Bakr, `Umar or
`Uthmaan's caliphates than him; or more accurate in what he says in terms of jurisprudence or more
knowledgeable in terms of poems, the Arabic language, Qur'aanic interpretation or religious matters. He
divided his time, each day teaching one subject or another, jurisprudence, Qur'aanic interpretation,
invasions, poems, and history, each one a different day. I've never seen a scholar listening to him without
submitting himself completely to him, nor asking without being impressed by his vast and rich
knowledge.
Ibn `Abbaas, who was appointed governor of Basra during the caliphate of `Aliy Ibn Abi Taalib
(may Allah be pleased with him) was once described by a Muslim in the following words: He stuck to
three matters, and gave up three. He dazzled men's hearts whenever he talked. He was a good listener
whenever he was spoken to. He chose the easiest of two matters whenever he was opposed. He gave up
hypocrisy. He gave up the companionship of wicked people. He gave up all that is excusable.
His diverse culture and vast, comprehensive knowledge were admirable. He was the skillful, shrewd
authority in every field of knowledge: Qur'aanic interpretation, jurisprudence, history, Arabic language
and literature. Therefore, he was a recourse for the seeker after truth. People traveled to him in groups
from all parts of the Islamic world in order to listen to him and to learn from him.
A Companion who was contemporary with him narrated: I've seen one of Ibn `Abbaas's scholastic
assemblies. If the whole tribe of the Quraish would have been proud, it would have been enough for their
pride. I've seen people gathering in front of his door until the whole path had become so crowded that no
one could enter or exit.
I entered, informing him that a great number of people were sitting in front of his door. He asked me
to prepare his water for ablution, which he performed, then sat down and said, "Go out to them and invite
those interested in Qur'aanic interpretation."
I went out and let them in. They entered, filling the house. They didn't ask about anything without
being answered in a satisfactory manner. Then he said to them, " Don't forget your brethren." They went
out to allow others to enter. Then he said, "Go out and invite those interested in jurisprudence."
I went out and let them in. They entered, filling the house. They didn't ask about anything without
being satisfactorily answered. Then he said, "Don't forget your brethren." They went out to allow others
to enter. Then he said, "Go out and invite those interested in religious duties."
I went out and let them in. They entered, filling the house. They didn't ask about anything without
being satisfactorily answered. Then he said, "Don't forget your brethren." They went out to allow others
to enter.
Then he said, "Go out and invite those interested in the Arabic language and literature." I went out
and let them in. They entered, filling the house. They didn't ask about anything without being
satisfactorily answered.