The first companion of the Prophet (PBUH) to recite the Qur’an openly in Makkah was Abdullah bin Mas’ood (RA).
These were the early days when Muslims were persecuted mercilessly. With courage, Abdullah bin Mas’ood (RA) went to Makam e Ibrahim in front of the Kaaba and started reciting Sura Ar Rahman. As the chieftans gathered around him and started to strike him, he continued to recite. His response was – I will go again tomorrow morning with the same message.
He was one of the first persons to accept Islam and enjoyed the privileges of entering upon the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and completing his private chores like carrying his shoes, covering when took a shower and waking him up when he fell asleep.
Abdullah bin Mas’ood (RA)’s recitation was beautiful and the Prophet (PBUH) loved to hear the Qur’an from him. One day when he was asked to recite, ibn Mas’ood (RA) began to recite these verses
So how [will it be] when We bring from every nation a witness and we bring you, [O Muhammad] against these [people] as a witness? Sura Nisaa 41
Tears began to roll down the cheeks of the Prophet (PBUH), and he said, “Enough”.
He was a master of the Qur’an. Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Take (learn) the Qur’an from four: Abdullah bin Mas'ood , Salim, Muadh and Ubay bin Ka`b.’
Ibn Mas’ood died in Madinah in the year 32AH. Uthman bin Affan (RA) led his funeral prayer.
