Radio Islam Newsletter

Abdullah Ibn Masood Radiyallahu Anhu

When he was still a youth, not yet past the age of puberty, he used to roam the mountain trails of Makkah far away from people, tending the flocks of a Quraish chieftain, Uqbah Ibn Muayt. People called him 'Ibn Umm Abd', the son of the mother of a slave. His real name was Abdullah and his fathers name was Masood.

The youth had heard the news of the Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam whom had appeared among his people but he did not attach any importance to it both because of his age and because he was usually far away from Makkan society. It was his habit to leave with the flock of Uqbah early in the morning and return at nightfall.

One day while tending the flocks, Abdullah Radiyallahu Anhu saw two men, middle-aged and of dignified bearing, coming towards him from a distance. They were obviously very thirsty and tired. They came up to him, greeted him and said, 'Young man, milk one of these sheep for us that we may quench our thirst and recover our strength.' 'I cannot,' replied the young man. 'The sheep are not mined. I am only responsible for looking after them.'

The two men did not argue with him. In fact, despite their thirst, they were extremely pleased at his honest reply. The two men were Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam himself and his companion, Abu Bakr Siddiq Radiyallahu Anhu.They had gone out on that day to the mountains of Makkah to escape the violent persecution of the Quraish. The young man in turn was impressed with Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam and his companion and soon became quite attached to them.

Acceptance Of Islam:

It was not long before Abdullah Ibn Masood Radiyallahu Anhu became a Muslim and offered to be in the service of the Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam agreed and from that day, the fortunate Abdullah Ibn Masood Radiyallahu Anhu gave up tending sheep in exchange for looking after the needs of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. He was the sixth man to accept Islam. Abdullah Ibn Masood Radiyallahu Anhu remained closely attached to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. He would attend to his needs both inside and outside the house. He would accompany him on journeys and expeditions. He would wake him when he slept. He would shield him when he washed. He would carry his staff and his Miswaak (Toothbrush) and attend to his other personal needs. It was for these reasons that the Sahabah took to calling him Saheb-e-Siwak (bearer of the Miswaak), Saheb-e-Nalaen (bearer of the slippers), Saheb-e-Mutahara (bearer of the water) and also Saheb-e-Wisadah (bearer of the bedroll).

The Prophet's Appreciation:

Abdullah Ibn Masood Radiyallahu Anhu received a unique training in the household of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. He was under the guidance of Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, he adopted his manner and followed his every trait until it was said of him, 'He was the closest to Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam in character.' Abdullah was often mistaken as one of the Blessed Household. Abu Musa Ashari Radiyallahu Anhu says, 'When we came from Yemen, we thought for some time that Abdullah Radiyallahu Anhu was a member of the Blessed Household, because Abdullah Radiyallahu Anhu and his mother were constantly coming and going in Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam presence. Furthermore, Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam once said to Abdullah Radiyallahu Anhu, "O Abdullah Radiyallahu Anhu, you do not need permission to enter my house. You are always welcome." read more