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I say about him like what they said and more. He read the Qur'aan and did what is lawful in it and
avoided what is forbidden. He was knowledgeable in religion and scholarly in Sunnah."
The Prophet's Companions said about him, "He was admitted to the company of the Prophet
(PBUH), whereas we were detained, and he was present in his company, whereas we were absent." This
means he used to have more privileges than the others. He used to enter the Prophet's house and sit with
him more than anybody else. He was the one the Prophet (PBUH) entrusted with his secrets to the extent
that he was entitled "The Secretary."
Abu Muusaa Al-Ash'ariy (May Allah be pleased with him) said in this context, "I came to Allah's
Messenger (PBUH) and thought that lbn Mas'uud was among the members of his family." This means
that the Prophet (PBUH) loved him dearly for his piety and intelligence. He said about him, "If I were to
appoint a commander without consulting the Muslims, I would have appointed lbn Umm `Abd," and as
mentioned before, the Prophet (PBUH) asked his Companions to "Stick to the method of lbn Umm Abd."
He was so near to the Prophet (PBUH) and so trusted by him that he was given more privileges than
anyone else was given. The Prophet (PBUH) told him, "My permission to you is that you may raise the
curtains." This indicates his being allowed to knock at the Prophet's door at any time during the day or
night. This is why the Companions said, "He was admitted to the company of the Prophet (PBUH),
whereas we were detained, and he was present in his company, whereas we were absent."
He was really up to this standard. Although such a close relationship could have created some sort of
intimacy, Ibn Mas'uud's attitude towards the Prophet (PBUH) was always one of respect and politeness.
This was even after the Prophet's death. Although he seldom mentioned the Prophet (PBUH) after his
death, in most cases when he did mention him, he began to tremble and shake, and all the signs of worry
and perplexity appeared on him. This occurred whenever his lips began to murmur, "I heard the Prophet
(PBUH) say lest he should forget or change one single letter of what was said.
Let us hear what his brothers in Islam said about such behavior. `Amr Ibn Maimuun reported, "I
was frequently visited by lbn Mas'uud for about a year, during which time I did not hear him speak about
the Prophet (PBUH). But one day he was talking and he uttered, "The Prophet (PBUH) said..." At this
moment he was badly troubled and started to sweat and corrected himself, "The Prophet (PBUH) said
something like that."
`Alqamah Ibn Qais reported, "lbn Mas'uud used to speak to people every Thursday night. I never
heard him saying, "The Prophet (PBUH) said," but he once said it and he was leaning on a stick that
started to shake in his hand.
Also, Masruuq narrated on the authority of Abd Allah, "One day Ibn Mas'uud was speaking and he
said, "I heard the Prophet (PBUH). . ." On this he and his clothes started to shake. Then he corrected
himself, `something like this."
Thus the veneration of the Prophet (PBUH) in his heart was that great, and this was a sign of his
intelligence. Such a man, who accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) more than anybody else, was the best to
realize how great the Prophet (PBUH) was. Therefore, he maintained the same manner concerning him
during his life and after his death.
lbn Mas'uud never missed the company of the Prophet (PBUH) either while traveling or at home.
He participated in all the battles, and on the Day of Badr his role was significant, especially with Abu
Jahl. The Prophet's (PBUH) caliphs, were also fully aware of his proper value. The Commander of the
Faithful `Umar lbn Al-Kataab appointed him as director of the treasury (Bait Al-Maal) in Kufa and he
said to the people there, "By Allah, there is no god but He. You know that I have given you a preference
over myself when I sent him to you to learn from him."
The people of Kufa liked him as they never liked anyone before him. It was a real miracle that the whole
people of Kufa agreed on liking somebody because they were known to be a people of rebellion and