Abdullah ibn Masud, orphaned at a young age, was working as a shepherd of Uqba ibn Abi Muayt’s herds for a fee to support his mother, Ummu Abd, and was grazing sheep in a valley of Mecca, unaware of their future. The two individuals who approached him asked, “Hey, young man! Do you have any milk that you can offer us?” He responded, “Yes, I do! However, I am a custodian, and I cannot give you milk without the owner’s permission!” The response was sufficient for the two individuals before him to recognize him and grasp his character. One of the two individuals was Muhammad al-Amin (peace and blessings be upon him), who had recently been entrusted with the eternal prophethood, and the other was his dearest and most loyal Companion, the respected Abu Bakr, among the earliest believers in him.

In response, the Messenger of God inquired about the existence of a sheep that had never produced milk, and upon receiving confirmation, he instructed him to bring it. Then, a miracle of fertility occurred, and milk began to flow from the breasts touched by his sacred hands. During this time, he also read verses from the Qur’an. Both what he heard and witnessed profoundly influenced Ibn Mas’ud; he embraced Islam and assumed his position among the early believers. Abdullah, a very intelligent young man, immediately expressed his curiosity for knowledge by saying, “O Messenger of God! Could you teach me that sweet and beautiful speech, the Qur’an?” This question marked the commencement of a journey that would elevate him to the pinnacle of Islamic sciences.

The respected Abdullah’s embrace of Islam and his eagerness for knowledge brought great joy and satisfaction to the Messenger of God. He gently stroked his head with his blessed hands and said, “May God bestow His mercy upon you. May the Qur’an you desire to learn be fruitful for you. Surely you will be an educated, intelligent, and knowledgeable young man!” After that, the Messenger of God and the respected Abu Bakr left, and Abdullah ibn Masud proceeded to the house of Uqba ibn Abi Muayt. He had made a firm decision; he would abandon shepherding and dedicate the rest of his life to serving the Messenger of God. This proximity would elevate him to the pinnacle of Qur’anic and Sunnah knowledge, distinguishing him among his Companions as a person of profound knowledge. In his own words, he learned seventy surahs in their entirety directly from the Messenger of God. 1 The remaining ones, he learned from his Companions 2, whom he held in separate esteem.

“If you are going to choose role models, consider the Companions of the Messenger of God as your examples because they are the most sincere and deeply knowledgeable people among this ummah. coThey are people far from affectation and completely natural. Not only do they always live according to guidance, but they also have the best morals. They are exceptional individuals whom God selected to establish His religion and to be Companions of His Prophet. Get to know them well with these superior aspects and follow them because they are on the straight path.’’3