‘Abdullah’s ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) statement regarding knowledge in the Quran

Question

Is this narration authentic?

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Whomsoever desires knowledge, should immerse himself [in studying and pondering over the commentary of] the Quran, as it contains knowledge of the first and last.”

Answer

This narration is recorded in the following sources with slight variations in the wording:

1. Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 30641
2. Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad; Zawaid ‘Abdullah: 856
3. Al Mu’jamul Kabir: 8664-8665-8666

‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) states, ‘Tabarani (rahimahullah) has reported this narration with a few chains, the narrators of one of these chains are reliable (رواه الطبراني بأسانيد، ورجال أحدها رجال الصحيح).

(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 7 pg. 165. Also see: Al Matalibul ‘Aaliyah, Hadith: 3100)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar