When Ibnu Abbas Was Asked About the Comparison of His Knowledge with Ali ibn Abu Thalib

Abdullah ibn Abbas, a prominent companion of Prophet Muhammad and revered as "Habrul Ummah" (the ink of the Ummah) and "al-Bahru" (the Ocean) for his vast knowledge, exemplified profound humility when his scholarly standing was compared to that of Ali ibn Abu Thalib.

When questioned about his knowledge in relation to his cousin, Ali ibn Abu Thalib, Ibn Abbas responded with a timeless display of modesty. He famously stated, "My knowledge compared to Ali's knowledge is like a drop of rain falling into the ocean." This eloquent analogy underscored his belief that Ali possessed a far greater depth of understanding.

This humble response is often cited as a model for scholars, showcasing Ibn Abbas's self-awareness and his deep respect for Ali's intellectual prowess. Despite his own significant contributions and the admiration he garnered, including being nicknamed "Fata al-Kuhl" (youthful elder) by Umar ibn al-Khattab for his wisdom, Ibn Abbas never boasted about his learning.

His willingness to acknowledge Ali's superior knowledge, even when holding a high scholarly position himself, reflects a core Islamic value of humility. Ibn Abbas's legacy is not just in his interpretations of the Quran and his extensive knowledge, but also in his exemplary character and his approach to learning and acknowledging others' merits.

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My knowledge compared to Ali's knowledge is like a drop of rain falling into the ocean.