Abdullah ibn Abbas

Abdullah ibn Abbas (619-687 CE) was the paternal cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most learned companions. He was born three years before the Hijrah in the valley of Abu Talib during the Qurayshi boycott of the Banu Hashim. The Prophet prayed for him specifically, saying, 'O Allah, grant him understanding of the religion and teach him the interpretation (of the Quran).' This supplication was answered abundantly, earning Ibn Abbas the title Tarjuman al-Quran (Interpreter of the Quran) and Habr al-Ummah (Scholar of the Nation).

Despite being only thirteen when the Prophet died, Ibn Abbas had spent his youth close to the Prophet and continued to learn from senior companions like Umar, Ali, Ubayy ibn Kab, and Zayd ibn Thabit. He was known for his extraordinary memory and analytical mind. He could recite poetry, discuss Arab history, and explain the Quran with a depth that astonished even the most senior companions. Umar ibn al-Khattab would include the young Ibn Abbas in his consultative council alongside men decades his senior, and when questioned about this, Umar said it was because of his superior knowledge.

Ibn Abbas established a major circle of learning in Mecca that produced an entire generation of scholars. His students, including Mujahid ibn Jabr, Ikrimah, Said ibn Jubayr, and Ata ibn Abi Rabah, became the leading authorities of the next generation. He narrated approximately 1,660 hadith and his tafsir opinions form the backbone of classical Quranic exegesis. He served as governor of Basra under Ali's caliphate and was known for his generosity and eloquence. He lost his eyesight in his later years and died in Taif in 68 AH (687 CE).