How Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As preserved the words of the Prophet

Among the Companions of Prophet Muhammad, few combined scholarship, devotion and courage as remarkably as Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As. A gifted student of the Qur’an and Sunnah, he became one of Islam’s most prolific narrators of hadith, leaving behind a legacy that continues to benefit Muslims more than fourteen centuries later.

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As al-Qurashi al-Sahmi was born into the respected Quraysh tribe in Makkah. He was the son of the renowned statesman and military commander Amr ibn al-As and Raytah bint Munabbih al-Sahmiyyah.

Unlike his father, Abdullah embraced Islam in its early years, becoming one of the young Companions who accepted the message before the conquest of Makkah. Historical sources mention that he was about twelve years younger than his father, a relatively small age gap that was unusual even in that era.

THE COMPANION WHO WROTE DOWN THE SUNNAH

Abdullah’s greatest distinction was his extraordinary commitment to preserving the teachings of the Prophet.

While many Companions relied primarily on memory, Abdullah sought permission from the Prophet to write down everything he heard from him. Some people discouraged him, saying that the Prophet spoke in different circumstances, including moments of anger and happiness.

When Abdullah mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah, he replied:

“Write, for by the One in whose Hand is my soul, nothing comes from this mouth except the truth.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

With the Prophet’s approval, Abdullah compiled a personal collection of hadith known as As-Sahifah As-Sadiqah (The Truthful Scroll). It is regarded as one of the earliest written collections of Prophetic traditions and is believed to have contained around one thousand hadiths.

Over his lifetime, Abdullah narrated approximately 700 hadiths, many of which appear in Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and the other major hadith collections.

A WORSHIPPER DEVOTED TO ALLAH

Abdullah was known for his exceptional devotion. He fasted frequently, spent much of the night in prayer and devoted himself to reciting the Qur’an.

Concerned that he was placing excessive strain on himself, the Prophet gently advised moderation.

He told Abdullah:

“Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your wife has a right over you and your guest has a right over you.”

The Prophet encouraged him to fast three days each month but eventually permitted him to observe the fast of Prophet Dawud – fasting every other day—which he described as the most beloved voluntary fast to Allah.

Years later, when old age made worship more difficult, Abdullah would often say that he wished he had accepted the Prophet’s original advice.

SERVICE IN THE PATH OF ISLAM

Like many Companions, Abdullah combined scholarship with military service.

He participated in several campaigns during the caliphates of Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan, including the Muslim expedition into North Africa alongside Abdullah ibn Sa’d ibn Abi Sarh. These campaigns played a significant role in the spread of Islam across Egypt and the Maghreb.

Although he fought when duty required, Abdullah became increasingly reluctant to participate in the political conflicts that emerged among Muslims after the assassination of Caliph Uthman. During the Battle of Siffin, he accompanied his father out of filial obedience but later expressed regret over the divisions that had afflicted the Muslim community.

HIS PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

Abdullah possessed an exceptional thirst for knowledge. He not only memorised the Qur’an and hadith but also studied earlier scriptures. Authentic narrations record that he was familiar with passages from the Torah describing the qualities of the final Prophet.

He also became a respected teacher of Qur’anic interpretation, often explaining verses using knowledge he had directly received from the Messenger of Allah.

His students included many of the leading scholars among the Tabi’un, who preserved and transmitted his knowledge to later generations.

HIS FINAL YEARS

Abdullah ibn Amr spent his later years teaching, worshipping and transmitting the Sunnah. He remained a trusted authority for Muslims seeking guidance and was widely respected for his piety and integrity.

Most historians record that he passed away around 65 AH (684–685 CE), although some reports give slightly different dates. By then he had become one of the foremost scholars among the Companions, remembered not only for what he learned from the Prophet but also for faithfully preserving it for future generations.