Abdullah ibn Masoud and accepting of Islam

 Abdullah ibn Masoud and accepting of Islam

Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud The First to Recite the Qur’an Aloud

When still a youth, not yet past the age of puberty, he used to roam the mountain trails of Makkah keeping far away from the people, and tending the flocks of a Quraysh chieftain, `Uqbah ibn Mu`ayt. People called him “Ibn Umm `Abd”, the son of the mother of a slave. His real name was `Abdullah and his father’s name was Mas`ud.

The youth heard the news of the Prophet who had appeared among his people but he did not attach any great importance to it both because of his age and because he was usually far from Makkan society. It was his custom to go with the flock of `Uqbah early in the morning and not return until nightfall.

One day while tending the flocks, `Abdullah saw two dignified looking, middle-aged men coming towards him from a distance. They were obviously very tired and were so thirsty that their lips and throat were parched. 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 mine. I am only responsible for looking after them.”

The two men did not argue with him. In fact, although they were extremely thirsty, they were also exceedingly pleased at the honest reply. The pleasure showed on their faces . . .

In fact, the two men were the blessed Prophet himself (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companion, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq. On that day, they had gone to the mountains of Makkah to escape the violent persecution of the Quraysh.

The young man in turn was impressed with the Prophet and his companion and soon became quite attached to them.

It was not long before `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud became a Muslim and offered his service to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet agreed and from that day the fortunate `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud gave up tending sheep in exchange for looking after the needs of the blessed Prophet.

`Abdullah ibn Mas`ud remained closely attached to the Prophet and would attend to his needs both inside and outside the house. He would accompany him on journeys and expeditions, wake him when he slept, shield him when he washed and carry his staff and siwak (toothbrush) and attend to his other personal needs.