Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari
Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari, known as Abdullah bin Qais bin Hadhyar bin Harb, was born in Yemen. He was a prominent imam and a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Abu Musa traveled to Mecca, where he allied with Sa’id bin Al-Aas and embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet. Subsequently, he migrated to Abyssinia, and according to some accounts, he returned to his homeland to spread the message of Islam. He was well-regarded for his business acumen and his exemplary character.
Virtues of Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari
God blessed him with a melodious voice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) acknowledged his remarkable recitation of the Quran, as narrated by Abu Burda from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari, who mentioned that he could recognize the voices of the Ash’ari companions at night when they recited the Quran. The Prophet praised his recitation, stating: “He has been given a flute-like voice from the flutes of the family of David” [Sahih].
Abu Musa utilized his beautiful voice and eloquent recitation to gather students of knowledge around him in the mosque of Basra. He organized them into groups and circles, moved among them to listen and teach, correcting their readings. He became renowned for his knowledge, worship, piety, modesty, self-respect, detachment from worldly possessions, steadfastness in faith, and beautiful voice; he was regarded as one of the most learned and proficient individuals in Basra.
Knowledge of Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari
Abu Musa was not only a scholar but also dedicated to disseminating knowledge and educating people about their religion. He would address crowds, emphasizing that those who have been blessed with knowledge by God have a duty to teach it, without speaking on matters they lack knowledge of, lest they be deemed pretentious. He continued to promote education and jurisprudence even during his time in jihad, calling the mu’adhin (the one who calls to prayer) to prayer, and gathering fellow warriors around him to instruct them in their faith.
Status of Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari in the Era of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab
During the reign of Omar ibn Al-Khattab, Abu Musa was considered a key figure in the state and a commander of armies in the conquests of Qom, Qathan, and the battle of Tustar. He was also one of the founders of the Basran school of thought during the era of the caliph, known as Al-Farooq. Among the companions, he was regarded as one of the most knowledgeable. The scholar Al-Sha’bi identified him as one of four judges who were most renowned in the nation, alongside Omar, Ali, and Zayd ibn Thabit.
Abu Musa received knowledge from eminent companions such as Omar, Ali, Ubayy bin Ka’b, and Abdullah bin Mas’ud. He was particularly influenced by Omar ibn Al-Khattab, with whom he maintained correspondence. Omar would often share advice and writings with him during his governorship of Basra and valued his company. One evening, Abu Musa visited Omar after nightfall, and when asked why he had come at such a late hour, he explained that he sought to gain understanding. They engaged in a lengthy discussion, and when it was time for prayer, Abu Musa indicated that it was time, to which Omar replied that they were indeed in the midst of prayer.