Tarjuman al-Qur'an — The Interpreter of the Qur'an

Abdullah ibn Abbas عَبْد الله بْن عَبَّاس

Cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, for whom the Prophet prayed, 'O Allah, give him understanding of the religion and teach him interpretation.' Though still a youth at the Prophet's death, he became the foremost scholar of Qur'anic exegesis and a teacher of the entire Ummah.

A Prayer for Understanding

Ibn Abbas was a boy when he served the Prophet ﷺ, once bringing him water for ablution. The Prophet ﷺ embraced him and prayed, 'O Allah, give him deep understanding of the religion and teach him the interpretation (ta'wil).' That supplication shaped his entire life.

Thirst for Knowledge

After the Prophet's death, the young Ibn Abbas went from Companion to Companion, sometimes waiting at a man's door in the midday heat rather than disturb him, to gather every report of the Prophet's words and deeds. By this humility and diligence he amassed a knowledge few could rival.

The Interpreter of the Qur'an

He became the authority on the meanings of the Qur'an, the circumstances of revelation, the rulings, the Arabic of the Book, and the accounts of earlier nations. Umar would seat the youth among the elders of Badr in council, defending him when they wondered why, after Ibn Abbas outshone them in understanding a surah.

The Ocean and the Rabbani

Known as 'the Ocean' for the depth of his learning and 'the Rabbani of this Ummah', he taught generations of students whose schools spread across the Muslim world. He lost his sight in old age and died at Ta'if around 68 AH, the heritage of his tafsir woven through every later commentary.

Lessons

  • The Prophet's supplication can set the course of an entire life.
  • Knowledge is gained by patient humility before those who have it.
  • Youth is no barrier to mastery when paired with sincerity and effort.

Quran references

3:7