Abdullah Bin Mas’ud; The One Who Carried Nabi’s Sandals

Majalahnabawi.com – When reading hadiths, we often encounter Abdullah bin Mas’ud, a hadith narrator at the companion level. Quantitatively, this sahabat who passed away in 32 H narrated 848 hadiths. He was the sixth person to embrace Islam. The reason was that he witnessed with his own eyes how the Prophet could “summon” milk. A thin sheep suddenly produced an abundance of milk, solely due to the Prophet’s hand stroking its udder. From that moment on, Abdullah bin Mas’ud dedicated himself to serving the Prophet’s daily needs.

Everywhere, always carrying and taking care of the Prophet’s sandals. More than that, tasked with waking up the Prophet. Not surprisingly, Abdullah bin Mas’ud had the privilege of freely entering and exiting the Prophet’s room. Therefore, he was called “sahib sirr al-mustafa” (the keeper of the Prophet’s secrets). This closeness made him the sahabat who knew best about the places and reasons for the revelation of wahyu. “If there were someone who knew more about the revelation of the Qur’an than me, I would surely go to him immediately.” Thus joked Abdullah bin Mas’ud.

Both Calves Heavier than Uhud

Out of deep respect and reverence for the Prophet, Abdullah bin Mas’ud always dressed neatly and wore fragrances. He did this because he was tasked with safeguarding and carrying the Prophet’s sandals. One day, Abdullah bin Mas’ud’s two calves were exposed, uncovered by a strong gust of wind. Other sahabat laughed, seeing Abdullah bin Mas’ud’s small calves. The Prophet immediately rebuked the other sahabat. He even emphasized that Abdullah bin Mas’ud’s two calves would, in the afterlife, weigh heavier on the scales than Mount Uhud.

During the caliphate of Sayyidina Umar, Abdullah bin Mas’ud was entrusted as the qadi (judge) in Kufa. He was also made responsible for the treasury (baitul mal). He held this prestigious position until he became frail, specifically until the beginning of the caliphate of Sayyidina Uthman bin Affan. In his final days of illness before passing away, Sayyidina Uthman visited him. “What makes you weep so profusely?” asked the caliph. “My sins,” replied Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas’ud briefly.

“What do you desire most at this moment?” asked Sayidina Uthman. “Forgiveness.” “Don’t you want a gift from me, at least for your children and grandchildren?” offered the caliph. “I have never worried about my descendants. I have taught and accustomed them to read Surah al-Waqi’ah every night. Indeed, I have heard the Prophet say: ((Whoever reads Surah al-Waqi’ah every night will never be afflicted with poverty ever))”.

Sayidina Abdullah bin Mas’ud passed away in his 60s. His noble body was buried in the Baqi’ cemetery in Medina. May we be permitted to meet him in His paradise. Amen.