Companions of the Prophet

Sahih al-Bukhari 3758

Hadith Text

`Abdullah (bin Mas`ud) was mentioned before `Abdullah bin `Amr. The latter said, "That is a man I continue to love because I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'Learn the recitation of the Qur'an from (any of these) four persons: `Abdullah bin Masud, Salim the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, Ubai bin Ka`b, and Mu`adh bin Jabal." I do not remember whether he mentioned Ubai first or Mu`adh.

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the excellence of four distinguished Companions in Qur'anic recitation. The Prophet's specific designation of these individuals indicates their mastery of tajwid, qira'at, and comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an's meanings.

Abdullah bin Mas'ud was among the earliest Muslims and a close companion who learned directly from the Prophet. His profound knowledge earned him the title "the scholar of the ummah." Salim, the freed slave, demonstrates Islam's meritocracy - spiritual rank is determined by piety and knowledge, not lineage. Ubai bin Ka'b was the scribe of revelation and among the Ansar's most learned. Mu'adh bin Jabal was renowned for his legal understanding and was sent as teacher to Yemen.

The Prophet's instruction to learn from these specific individuals emphasizes the importance of taking knowledge from qualified teachers who preserve the authentic transmission. This establishes the principle of isnad (chain of transmission) in Islamic sciences.

Abdullah bin Amr's admission of uncertainty regarding the order of Ubai and Mu'adh exemplifies the Companions' scrupulous honesty in narration, never attributing to the Prophet what they were uncertain about.