Who was Abdallah ibn Abbas?
This blog is going to discuss the life story of Abdullah ibn abbas. Abdallah ibn Abbas was the scholar of the emerging Muslim nation. He was the interpreter of the Holy Quran. He was prophet Mohammad’s cousin. His father, al-Abbas ibn Abdle-Muttalib, was the prophet’s uncle. Abdallah’s mother was Lubaba bint al-Harith. His mother was the second woman to embrace Islam after lady Khadija, prophet Mohammad’s first wife. Prophet Mohammad used to take a nap during the siesta at their house. Lubaba died before al-Abbas during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan. His aunt, Maymona bint al-Harith, was one of the prophet’s wives.
The birth of abdullah ibn Abbas:
The elite of Makkah intensified their persecution of the Muslims and prophet Mohammad. They wrote a parchment declaring a boycott and a siege on Muslims and whoever supported them. The Muslims were jammed in the Shi’b of Bani Hashim. Of course al-Abbas and his pregnant wife, Lubaba, were among the Muslims. She courageously endured the pain of the siege as well as her pregnancy for the sake of Islam. Lady Khadija helped the pregnant woman secretly. When al-Abbas told prophet Mohammad that his wife was pregnant, prophet Mohammad made a dua’ that the baby would be a boy.
Prophet Mohammad gave Lubaba the good news:
In her last month of pregnancy, prophet Mohammad visited Lubaba saying she would give birth to a baby boy; and asked her to bring him the baby after his birth. She did and prophet Mohammad rubbed the baby’s teeth gum with his saliva mixed with a date fruit. Prophet Mohammad gave the baby the name of Abdullah and predicted that the baby would be intelligent and clever. This was seven years after the first revelation and six years before the migration to Madina. Therefore, he enjoyed the care of his cousin prophet Mohammad from day one in his life.
The migration of Abdullah ibn Abbas:
Abdullah ibn Abbas migrated to Madina when he was very young. When Abdullah was about nine years old, his mother took him and migrated to Madina. He was brought up in the house of prophet Mohammad in al-Madina. Ever since, he accompanied prophet Mohammad wherever he went. During this time, He learnt as much as he could from prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad cared a lot for him . He made dua for him that Allah would make him knowledgeable in Islam and teach him the interpretation of the Holy Quran. Prophet Mohammad himself taught ibn Abbas about Islam.
The young knowledgeable genius:
Abdullah ibn Abbas migrated to Madina when he was very young. When he was about nine years old, his mother took him and migrated to Madina. He was brought up in the house of prophet Mohammad in al-Madina. Ever since, he accompanied prophet Mohammad wherever he went. During this time, Abdullah ibn Abbas learnt as much as he could from prophet Mohammad. Prophet Mohammad cared a lot for ibn Abbas. He made dua for him that Allah would make him knowledgeable in Islam and teach him the interpretation of the Holy Quran. Prophet Mohammad himself taught ibn Abbas about Islam.
The military effort (Jihad) of ibn Abbas:
Ibn Abbas took part in a lot of battles for the cause of Islam. He took part in the conquest of Egypt, Taberstan, Siffin. He also fought the Romans in 46H. He kept fighting till he reached Constantinople. Ibn Abbas interfered in the clash between al-Hasan and al-Husein on the one hand and Muawia on the other. He also participated in solving the situation of Abdullah ibn al- Zubair and the Umayyad state. Ibn Abbas was a pious servant of Allah . He dedicated most of his time to worship. He was very keen to go with his worship regardless of the health results of doing so.
The death of Abdullah ibn Abbas:
Although ibn Abbas was the best of his lineage, he was modest and appreciated scholars. When he grew very old, he distanced himself away from all disputes. He chose al-taif to spend his last days in. Ibn Abbas’ students used to go to him for knowledge. He continued so till he completely lost his eyesight when he was over seventy years old. When he died, everyone felt very sad. When they went to bury him, they saw a white bird in his coffin. When they sought the bird, they couldn’t find it. It was the knowledge of the Holy Quran lifted with his death.
