| Abdullah ibn Masud | |
|---|---|
| Disciple of Muhammad, Historian | |
| Died | c. 650 C.E. |
| Honored in | Islam |
| Influences | Muhammad |
| Influenced | Future commentators and traditionalists. |
Abdullah ibn Masud (Arabic: عبدالله بن مسعود) was one of the first converts to Islam after Muhammad started preaching in Mecca. He remained one of the closest companions of Muhammad during his lifetime.
According to Muslim sources, he was a young sheepherder who worked for Uqbah ibn Abu Mu'ayt. It was not long before Abdullah became a Muslim and offered to be in the service of Muhammad. Muhammad agreed and Abdullah gave up tending sheep in exchange for dedicating himself to Islam. Abdullah held administrative and diplomatic duties under the caliphs Umar and Uthman. Some of his well-known disciples in Kufa included Alqama ibn Qays al-Nakha'i, Aswad ibn Yazid and Masruq ibn al-Ajda'. Abdullah is especially important for his commentaries and traditions on the interpretation of the Quran, having been present for many revelations.