Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic
Hello! Are you looking for explanations of the Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. Why? Because that’s exactly what I’ll be explaining in this article. So, make sure to read it all the way through!
A Brief Biography of Abdullah bin Mas’ud
Before I delve further into the Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic, I will first provide a brief biography of Abdullah bin Mas’ud. In my view, it's absolutely essential for you to know this in order to fully appreciate the great figure whose Sufi quotes we are discussing in this article.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud's full name is Abdullah bin Mas’ud bin Ghafil bin Habib al-Hudhali. He was also known by the nickname “Abu Abdirrahman.” He was one of the prominent companions of Prophet Muhammad Saw.. He was a resident of Mecca and among the first to embrace Islam.
After Abdullah bin Mas’ud embraced Islam, he was the first person to recite the Quran aloud in Mecca. He served Prophet Muhammad with great dedication in many circumstances.
Read Also: Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Abbas in English and Arabic
Abdullah bin Mas’ud was a companion of Prophet Muhammad Saw. who loved to wear a lot of perfume. When he walked outside, people on the streets could smell his fragrance.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud was one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad Saw. who had a deep understanding of the Quran. The Prophet listened to his recitation and then said:
مَنْ سَرَّهُ أَنْ يَقْرَأَ الْقُرْآنَ رَطْبًا كَمَا أُنْزِلَ فَلْيَقْرَأْ قِرَآءَةَ ابْنِ أُمِّ عَبْدٍ . وَقَالَ : تَمَسَّكُوْا بِعَهْدِ عَبْدِ اللهِ
Whoever wishes to read the Quran as it was revealed, let him recite like the recitation of Ibn Umm Abd (Abdullah bin Mas’ud). The Prophet also said, "Hold on to the words of Abdullah (Abdullah bin Mas’ud)."
Abdullah bin Mas’ud was one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad who was very close to him. Because of this, Abdullah bin Mas’ud had a deep understanding of the Prophet, listened to many of his sayings, and witnessed many of his actions. In the hadith literature, it is mentioned that Abdullah bin Mas’ud narrated 848 hadiths.
After the death of Prophet Muhammad Saw., Abdullah bin Mas’ud became responsible for managing the Baitul Mal (treasury) in Kufa. He then returned to Medina during the caliphate of Uthman bin Affan. He passed away there in the year 32 AH (some say 33 AH).
Before Abdullah bin Mas’ud passed away, while he was ill, Uthman bin Affan visited him and asked, "What are you lamenting over?" He replied, "My sins." Uthman bin Affan asked, "What do you desire?" He answered, "The mercy of my Lord." Uthman bin Affan asked, "Shall we call a doctor to treat you?" He replied, "The doctor is the one who made me ill."
Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, in his book "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," categorizes Abdullah bin Mas’ud as one of the great Sufi figures of the first generation. Many aspects of his life serve as a source of inspiration in Sufism. He is considered one of the great Sufis in Islamic history.
Sufi Quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic
There are many Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud. Unfortunately, I cannot explain them all here. In this article, I will only discuss some of his Sufi quotes.
Some Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic that I will present are as follows:
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on Unemployment
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on unemployment, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!
أَكْرَهُ أَنْ أَرَى الرَّجُلَ فَارِغًا , لَا فِى عَمَلِ دُنْيَا وَلَا آخِرَة[1]
I do not like to see a person idle, neither doing something for this world nor for the hereafter.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud expresses his dislike for idleness—those who do not engage in any activities that are beneficial, either for this world or the hereafter. In this context, "this world" refers to daily responsibilities and worldly affairs, such as working, studying, or contributing to society. Meanwhile, "the hereafter" refers to the afterlife, which in Islamic belief is attained through worship, righteous deeds, and good actions.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes the importance of living a life with purpose and productivity, both in worldly and spiritual aspects. Idleness is considered unproductive because it means a person is not fulfilling their responsibilities in this life, whether to themselves, their family, or their community. Moreover, neglecting spiritual obligations or preparation for the afterlife is seen as a significant shortcoming.
Thus, Abdullah bin Mas’ud underscores that an ideal life is one filled with meaningful activities that benefit oneself and others, as well as fulfill religious obligations. It’s not just about focusing on one aspect of life, but integrating both—this world and the hereafter—into daily living. This is one of the best Sufi quotes of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on life that we need to understand.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on True Knowledge
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on true knowledge, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!
[2]لَيْسَ الْعِلْمُ بِكَثْرَةِ الرِّوَايَةِ , بَلْ بِالْخَشْيَةِ
Knowledge is not in the abundance of narration, but in the fear of Allah.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains that true knowledge is not merely about the quantity of information one possesses or the number of narrations one has memorized, but rather the spiritual impact of that knowledge, which is the fear of Allah. In this context, "fear" refers to piety or a deep awareness of Allah’s greatness and justice, which motivates a person to act in accordance with His guidance.
Knowledge that is merely memorized or accumulated without influencing one’s behavior or spirituality is considered less meaningful. On the other hand, true knowledge is that which instills fear of Allah, motivating a person to avoid sin, obey His commands, and draw closer to Him.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud reminds us that the ultimate goal of seeking knowledge in Islam is not just to increase information or theoretical understanding, but to shape better character and enhance the quality of worship. Knowledge that does not cultivate the fear of Allah or does not inspire a person to live a more devout and virtuous life is considered to lack true spiritual value.
Thus, knowledge and the fear of Allah must go hand in hand to achieve perfection in living a life that aligns with Islamic teachings.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Influence of Sin on Acquired Knowledge
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the influence of sin on acquired knowledge, pay attention to the Sufi quote below!
إِنِّي لَأَحْسَبُ الرَّجُلَ يَنْسَى الْعِلْمَ لِلْخَطِيْئَةِ يَعْمَلُها[3]
I am truly convinced that a person forgets knowledge because of the mistakes they have committed.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains the belief that a person can lose or forget the knowledge they once acquired due to the sins or mistakes they have committed. In this view, knowledge is regarded as a gift granted by Allah, and sin or bad behavior can cause that knowledge to be withdrawn or become ineffective within a person.
This belief is rooted in the spiritual concept within Islam, which emphasizes that sin can darken a person’s heart and mind. When the heart becomes dark, a person’s ability to understand, remember, and utilize knowledge also diminishes. This serves as a reminder that morality and ethics play a crucial role in the preservation of knowledge; someone who continually commits sins may find themselves losing clarity of thought, intellectual sharpness, or even forgetting the knowledge they have already learned.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud also emphasizes the importance of maintaining behavior and the heart free from sin, as sin not only impacts the afterlife but can also be detrimental in this worldly life, including in the realm of knowledge. By refraining from sin, a person is expected to safeguard and enhance the knowledge they possess and use it for good.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on a Pessimistic View of the Current State of the World
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on a pessimistic view of the current state of the world, consider the Sufi quote below!
ذَهَبَ صَفْوُ الدُّنْيَا وَ بَقِيَ كَدَرُها , وَالْمَوْتُ الْيَوْمَ تُحْفَةُ كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ[4]
The clarity of the world has passed, and what remains is its murkiness. Death today is a beautiful gift for every Muslim.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud expresses a pessimistic view of the current state of the world, where the "clarity" or goodness of the world has passed, and only its "murkiness" or evil remains. This statement reflects the belief that the world has undergone significant moral and spiritual decline, making it no longer an ideal place to live.
In this context, death is seen as a "beautiful gift" for every Muslim. This statement is not intended to romanticize death but rather conveys the perspective that a worldly life filled with difficulties, trials, and evil can make death a pathway to peace and eternal rest in the afterlife. For a faithful Muslim, death is not the end but the beginning of a better life in the presence of Allah, especially if the world has become filled with things that corrupt the soul and faith.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparation for death by living a righteous life according to Islamic teachings. In a situation where the world is seen as increasingly deteriorating, death becomes a hope for the believer to be freed from hardships and to achieve eternal happiness in the hereafter.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on Poverty and Death
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on poverty and death, consider the Sufi quote below!
[5]حَبَّذَا الْمَكْرُوْهَانِ : الْفَقْرُ وَالْمَوْتُ
How good are the two things that are disliked: poverty and death.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains that two things often considered negative or undesirable—poverty and death—actually have hidden values of goodness. From this perspective, poverty and death are not merely things to be avoided or feared but can bring profound benefits or lessons if understood correctly.
Poverty, though often seen as a difficult condition full of trials, can teach a person humility, dependence on Allah, and the importance of patience. Someone who experiences poverty may draw closer to Allah, become more aware of their own limitations, and be more grateful for even the smallest blessings.
Death, on the other hand, is the end of worldly life and the gateway to eternal life. For a Muslim, death is not something to be feared but accepted as part of Allah’s decree. Death reminds humans of the transient nature of the world and the importance of preparing for the life after death.
Thus, even though poverty and death are often disliked or avoided, they possess their own goodness in a spiritual context and can serve as a path to closeness with Allah and self-improvement.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on Sustenance
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on sustenance, consider the Sufi quote below!
[6]الرِّزْقُ يَأْتِى الْعَبْدَ فِي أَيِّ سِيْرَةٍ سَارَ , لَا تَقْوَ مُتَّقٍ تَزِيْدُهُ , وَلَا فُجُوْرُ فَاجِرٍ يُنْقِصُهُ , بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ الْعَبْدِ سِتْرٌ وَالرِّزْقُ طَالِبُهُ
Provision comes to a servant through whatever path they take. A person's piety cannot increase it. A person's sins cannot decrease it. There is a veil between it and the servant. It (provision) will come seeking that servant.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains the concept that the provision given by Allah to every servant is predetermined and will come to them regardless of their good or bad actions. Provision, in this context, includes all forms of Allah’s bounty, such as wealth, health, or other necessities of life.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes that provision is decreed by Allah and will reach His servants through various means, regardless of the path they take in life. Piety, or obedience to Allah, will not increase the provision that has already been decreed. Similarly, a person's sins or wrongdoings will not decrease the provision that has been determined for them.
The phrase "There is a veil between it and the servant" means that there is a kind of barrier that prevents the servant from seeing from where or how the provision will come, but that provision is certain to come to them, even seeking them out. This illustrates the belief that provision is part of destiny, which cannot be avoided or altered by human effort.
In conclusion, Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud teaches that people should not be overly anxious about provision, as Allah has guaranteed that everyone will receive their provision according to His decree, and that effort and piety are more related to living a blessed life, not to increasing or decreasing provision.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Danger of Rejecting Advice
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the danger of rejecting advice, consider the Sufi quote below!
كَفَى بِالرَّجُلِ إِثْمًا أَنْ يُقَالَ لَهُ : اتَّقِ اللهَ , فَيَغْضَبُ وَيَقُوْلُ : عَلَيْكَ نَفْسَكَ[7]
It is sufficient for a person to be sinful when it is said to them, "Fear Allah!" and they become angry and say, "Mind your own business!"
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud highlights an attitude that shows indifference or even rejection of religious advice, especially when someone is reminded to fear Allah. When one advises another to fear Allah, the intent is to remind them to live in accordance with Allah’s commands, avoid sin, and behave righteously. However, if the person being advised responds with anger and says, "Mind your own business!" this reflects an arrogant attitude and an unwillingness to accept good counsel.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes that becoming angry and rejecting advice that is meant for good is sufficient to be considered sinful. In Islam, receiving advice with an open heart and humility is a sign of piety. On the contrary, rejecting advice, especially with anger, reflects an attitude contrary to piety.
The response "Mind your own business!" indicates that the person is more concerned with their ego and is unwilling to accept criticism or guidance that could help them improve. This is considered a form of arrogance, a trait that is highly condemned in Islam. In conclusion, this Sufi quote by Abdullah bin Mas’ud teaches the importance of being open to good advice and avoiding arrogance, as rejecting advice to fear Allah is itself a sin.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Concept of "Jamaah"
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the concept of "jamaah", consider the Sufi quote below!
[8]لَيْسَ الْجَمَاعَةُ بِكَثْرَةِ النَّاسِ , بَلْ مَنْ مَعَهُ الْحَقُّ فَهُوَ الْجَمَاعَةُ
The "jamaah" is not about having a large crowd, but about those who possess the truth. That is the true "jamaah".
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains the concept of "jamaah" in Islam, which is not merely measured by the number of followers or mass, but by the truth upheld by those people. In Arabic, "jamaah" is often interpreted as a group or community. However, he emphasizes that the essence of a "jamaah" lies not in the number of its members but in their commitment to the truth.
The truth in this context refers to the pure teachings of Islam, as guided by Allah and His Messenger. The true "jamaah" is a group of people who steadfastly adhere to these teachings, even if their numbers are few. This highlights that quality is more important than quantity in determining the legitimacy or value of a group.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud also reminds us that popularity or having many followers does not always indicate the truth. In Islamic history, it has often been the case that only a few remained steadfast in the truth, while the majority may have been led astray or influenced by falsehoods.
In conclusion, the true "jamaah" consists of those who stand on the truth, regardless of whether they are few or many. The truth is the fundamental foundation that determines the value of a group in the eyes of Islam.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Path to the Essence of True Faith
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the path to the essence of true faith, consider the Sufi quote below!
لَا يَبْلُغُ عَبْدٌ حَقِيْقَةَ الْإِيْمَانِ حَتَّى يَحُلَّ بِذِرْوَتِهِ , وَلَا يَحُلَّ بِهَا حَتَّى يَكُوْنَ الْفَقْرُ إِلَيْهِ أَحَبُّ مِنَ الْغِنَى , وَالتَّوَاضُعُ مِنَ الشَّرَفِ , وَيَكُوْنَ حَامِدُهُ وَذَامُّهُ عِنْدَهُ سَوَاء[9]
A servant will not reach the essence of faith until he descends from everything that elevates him. He will not descend from everything that elevates him until he prefers poverty over sufficiency, humility over honor, and those who praise him and those who criticize him are equal in his eyes.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains the path to the essence of true faith, emphasizing that a servant will not attain deep faith until he relinquishes attachment to worldly things that make him feel superior or elevated. To achieve true faith, a person must lower himself from all forms of desire, status, or rank that he considers higher than others.
First, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains that a servant must prefer poverty over sufficiency. This does not mean seeking poverty, but rather cultivating a heart that accepts circumstances as they are and is not attached to material wealth or possessions. Second, he must prefer humility over honor or praise. This means placing humility above ego or pride, not seeking respect or recognition from others.
Third, Abdullah bin Mas’ud states that a servant who reaches true faith will regard praise and criticism from others equally—they will not affect him. This reflects freedom from ego and human judgment, where the focus is solely on Allah’s judgment.
In conclusion, Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes that the essence of faith is achieved through detachment from worldly things, maintaining humility, and viewing praise and criticism with the same attitude, demonstrating inner peace and complete dependence on Allah.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Nature of Truth and Falsehood
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the nature of truth and falsehood, consider the Sufi quote below!
[10]الحَقُّ ثَقِيْلٌ مَرِيءٌ , وَالبَاطِلُ خَفِيْفٌ وَبِيءٌ , وَرُبَّ شَهْوَةِ سَاعَةٍ تُوْرِثٌ حُزْنًا طَوِيْلا
Truth is something heavy and very beautiful. Falsehood is something light and very bad. How many momentary desires leave behind long-lasting sorrow.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud explains the nature of truth and falsehood, as well as the impact of following momentary desires. Truth is described as something heavy, meaning that it is often difficult to uphold or live by because it may require sacrifice, patience, and steadfastness. However, despite being heavy, truth is also very beautiful, reflecting that truth brings satisfaction, inner peace, and lasting blessings.
In contrast, falsehood is described as something light, indicating that falsehood often appears easy and appealing on the surface, as it does not require much effort or discipline. However, even though it is easy, falsehood is something very bad, leading to negative consequences both in this world and in the hereafter.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud also warns about the dangers of following momentary desires. Momentary desires refer to sudden impulses or urges that often arise without careful consideration. Satisfying these momentary desires may provide temporary pleasure, but they can leave behind long-lasting sorrow or regret. This emphasizes the importance of self-control and long-term thinking, as impulsive actions can lead to negative outcomes.
Overall, Abdullah bin Mas’ud teaches that although truth may be difficult to live by, it brings beauty and enduring happiness, whereas falsehood and momentary desires, though seemingly easy and tempting, ultimately bring prolonged sorrow and loss.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the Importance of Guarding One’s Speech
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on the importance of guarding one’s speech, consider the Sufi quote below!
\[11]وَاللهِ مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ شَيْئٌ أَحْوَجُ إِلَى طُوْلِ سِجْنٍ مِنَ اللِّسَانِ
By Allah! There is nothing more in need of long imprisonment than the tongue.
In the Sufi quote above, Abdullah bin Mas’ud emphasizes the importance of guarding the tongue or controlling one’s speech, reminding us that the tongue is the part of ourselves most in need of strict control, as if it must be "imprisoned" for a long time. This means that the words we speak have great potential to cause harm, both to ourselves and to others. Therefore, guarding the tongue or controlling speech is considered a very important action in leading a righteous and moral life.
In Islam, uncontrolled or harmful speech can have serious negative consequences, such as slander, gossip, lies, or words that hurt others. Abdullah bin Mas’ud uses the metaphor of "imprisonment" to highlight how crucial it is to limit and control what we say, as one wrong word can cause significant harm or create long-lasting problems.
In conclusion, Abdullah bin Mas’ud teaches that guarding the tongue is an action that must be carried out with high discipline. An uncontrolled tongue can lead to many sins and damages, and thus it needs to be "imprisoned" or controlled very carefully to prevent harmful speech.
Sufi Quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on How to Speak Well
If you want to know Sufi quote of Abdullah bin Mas’ud on how to speak well, consider the Sufi quote below!
I advise you not to speak excessively. It is sufficient for someone to speak according to their needs.
In the above Sufi quote, Abdullah bin Mas’ud provides important advice on how one should speak, emphasizing the need to avoid overindulgence in speech. This advice reminds us to speak only according to necessity and not to say more than required.
Excessive talking can lead to various issues, such as saying irrelevant things, hurting others’ feelings, spreading misinformation, or even engaging in gossip and slander. Speaking excessively can also indicate a lack of self-control and diminish the value of what one actually intends to communicate.
By speaking according to necessity, one not only protects themselves from potential mistakes but also demonstrates wisdom and maturity. Measured and precise words are more appreciated and more effective in conveying messages. Abdullah bin Mas’ud advises people to think before they speak, considering whether what will be said is truly necessary and beneficial.
Overall, this advice teaches the importance of simplicity and precision in speech to maintain personal honor and avoid the negative impacts of unnecessary words.
That concludes the discussion of some Sufi quotes from Abdullah bin Mas’ud in English and Arabic. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments section.
I think that’s enough for this article. I hope it is useful. Amen.
See you again in the next article!
Source Citations
[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 248.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 249.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
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