The Four Famous ‘Abdullāhs (‘Abādilah) Among the Sahābah

The Four ‘Abādilah are:

1. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallāhu ‘anhumā)
2. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās (radiyallāhu ‘anhumā)
3. ‘Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (radiyallāhu ‘anhumā)
4. ‘Abdullah ibn al-’Amr ibn al-‘Aas (radiyallāhu ‘anhumā)

Ibn Salāh said that the number of ‘Abdullahs amongst the Sahābah is over 220, whereas some of the scholars have mentioned up to 300, but those who are given the specific title of ‘Abādilah are the above four. Imām as-Suyooti (rahimahullah) said:  From the Sahābah, there are those who are known as the ‘Abādilah, and when they are mentioned, there are four that come to mind, and they are Ibn ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Abbās, Ibn az-Zubayr and Ibn ‘Amr ibn al-’Aas, but not ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood as Imām Ahmad said. Imām al-Bayhaqi mentioned that ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ood was not included amongst them because he died early, well before them, whereas the rest of them lived on until their knowledge became such that it was relied upon as proof. If these four agreed on a matter, it would be said, ‘This is the saying of the ‘Abādilah.’ Ibn Mas’ood was not amongst them (despite his virtue and great knowledge) because he died in 32H whereas the other four died a lot later: Ibn ‘Umar in 73H, Ibn ‘Abbās in 68H, Ibn az-Zubayr in 73H and Ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas in 65H.

Abu Khadeejah.