Question: Could you give some insights into claims by Ibn Mas'ud regarding his positions on (1) the opening chapter and (2) his non-inclusion of Surahs 113 & 114 in his Mushaf. These clarifications are seeked in light of the proclamation that "in this book there is no doubt." However, the compilations of Uthman and that of Ibn Mas'ud differs. We must believe that ALLAH will guard the QURAN, so was Ibn misguided? What were the factors surrounding these deviations?

Answer: Before giving an explanation regarding the position of Abdullah bin Masood (r.a), it is important for one to know the status of this great companion of the Messenger of Allah and the great knowledge he possessed.

Abdullah bin Masood (r.a) was a very great companion of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.s) and was a close associate to him. He was also known as his personal attendant. Abdullah bin Masood (r.a) accepted Islam in the early days and is known to be the sixth Muslim. Hence, he was from the 'As Saabiqoon Al Awwalloon' (the first and foremost Muslims and the forerunners to Islam).

After embracing Islam, he remained in the service of the Prophet (s.a.s) both in residence and on journey. He used to bring water for the Wazu of the Prophet (s.a.s) and would also carry his miswak (tooth stick). When the Prophet (s.a.s) stood up, he would put on the shoes on the feet of the Prophet (s.a.s) and when he sat down, he (Ibn Masood) would take them off. When the Prophet (s.a.s) walked, he (Ibn Masood) walked in front of him (as his guard), when he took a bath, he screened him and when the Prophet (s.a.s) slept, he awakened him.

Abdullah bin Masood (r.a) was so close to the Prophet (s.a.s) that other companions thought that he was from the Prophet's family. He was honoured to have two migrations, one to Abyssinia and the other to Madina. He was also honoured to perform salaah towards the two Qiblahs, Masjidul Aqsa and Masjidul Haram (with the Prophet (s.a.s)). He accompanied the Messenger of Allah (s.a.s) and fought by his side in the great battles of Badr, Uhud, Ahzab and many others, and was from among those who took the special oath and swore allegiance at the Bai'atur Ridhwaan. He was also fortunate to have received the glad tidings of Paradise from the Prophet (s.a.s).

In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Ali (r.a) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.s) said, 'If I am to chose anyone as a leader (Ameer) without consulting the Muslims, it would be Abdullah bin Masood (r.a.).' According to the testimonies of the Companions, Abdullah bin Masood was the greatest Hafiz and Scholar of the Holy Quran. He himself narrated that the Prophet (s.a.s) once requested him to recite Sura An Nisa. Upon this, he said, 'Should I read this Sura to you, when the Quran has been revealed to you?' The Prophet (s.a.s) replied, 'I wish to listen to the Quran from others.' The Prophet (s.a.s) used to also say, 'Whoever wishes to recite the Quran in the manner it has been revealed, let him recite it like Ibn Masood.'

Uqba bin Amir states, 'With respect to my knowledge, there is no greater scholar of the Quran than Ibn Masood.' Many other great Companions of the Prophet (s.a.s) like Ali (r.a), Huzaifa (r.a), Abu Darda (r.a) have also testified to the great status of Abdullah bin Masood in Knowledge, especially of the Holy Quran. Abdullah bin Masood himself states, 'By Allah, besides whom there is no other God! There is absolutely no verse of the Holy Quran, except that I know when and where it was revealed.'

From this explanation, it can be seen that Abdullah bin Masood (r.a) was indeed one of the greatest scholars of the Holy Quran, and was very close and loved by the Prophet (s.a.s). As such, it is important for one to understand the nature of the statements which have been made against him.

In this regard, it is evident that besides the Mashaf of Uthman (r.a), there were also other mashafs which were compiled by the two great scholars of the Holy Quran, namely Ubai bin Kaab (r.a) and Ibn Masood (r.a). These mashafs had slight variations in them and there were minor differences in the sequence of the suras in each of these mashafs.

One of the main reason for this was that each of these companions who had the opportunity of listening to the Quran from the Prophet (s.a.s) listed and recorded the suras in accordance to how he heard it. Although this showed a difference in sequence and amount of suras, this did not bring about a denial on the part of anyone of any sura or verse of the Holy Quran.

As such, that which is recorded in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Tabarani and Ibn Hibban that Sura Fatiha and Suras Al Falaq And Nas were not recorded in the Mashaf of Ibn Masood, does not mean that he did not accept them as part of the Holy Quran. Nay! He accepted everything as the Holy Quran. May Allah forbid! Abdullah bin Masood was not misguided nor did he deviate. Instead, he was a pillar of faith and steadfastness, fully upon guidance, and was one of the most illustrious and knowledgeable companions of the Prophet (s.a.s).

While explaining this issue, Qazi Abu Bakr has stated that Ibn Masood did not reject the fact that these Suras were from the Holy Quran. Instead, it was simply a matter of (they) being documented in his Mashaf. He saw that the need for documentation was regarding those things where there is a fear of them being forgotten or lost. And in the case of Sura Al Fatiha, Al Falaq and An Nas, these suras were so famous, well known and established as part of the Holy Quran, that there was absolutely no fear of them being forgotten or lost. Hence, he saw that there was no need to document them for preservation (since they were known by every person). This is the answer which Ibn Qutaibah has also given in Mushkilaatul Quran.

Another response which has been given by Ibn Sabag is that the recitation of these suras did not reach to Ibn Masood in a Mutawatir manner. Hence, it was out of precaution, that he did not include them in his Mashaf when he documented it. However, when he got them in a mutawatir manner, he revoked his previous statement and fully accepted them. This is clearly indicated from the fact that Aasim has narrated the Qirat of Ibn Masood and in it these suras (Fatiha, Falaq and Nas) were present. The above explanations have been given when it is accepted that such statements were evident from Ibn Masood.

In contrast to this, a great amount of great Mufassireen (commentators and experts of the Holy Quran) have denied such statements and have considered them as a fabrication against Abdullah bin Masood (r.a). In this regard, the great scholar Imam An Nawawi has written, 'All Muslims are unanimous upon the fact that the Muawwadhatain (Suras Falaq and Nas) and Sura Al Fatiha are all part of the Holy Quran. It is also agreed that whoever denies anything from the Quran has committed Kufr (disbelief). Whatever has been narrated regarding Ibn Masood is a falsehood and is not correct. Ibn Hazm has mentioned that this is a lie upon Ibn Masood and that the recitation of these suras are evident and established from him'. (Sharhul Muhazzab).

Imam Razi has also written the same in his famous tafseer 'Al Kabeer', and many others have concluded that it is a lie and fabrication. (Al Itqaan by Suyootee).

Based on these explanations, one can rest assured that no such statements emanated from any of the companions of the Prophet (s.a.s) and that Ibn Masood is free from that which has been alleged. The Holy Quran is certainly the book of Allah, and there is absolutely no doubt regarding its suras and verses. During the time of its documentation and compilation, total care was taken to ensure that every single letter was in accordance to the guidelines of the Prophet (s.a.s) and the companions bore witness to that which was recorded. In this way, it came to us in the manner it was revealed by Allah to the beloved Prophet (s.a.s).


And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan