Hz. Abdullah b. Ayyaş (r)

Abdullah b. Ayyaş b. Ebî Rebîa el-Kureşî el-Mahzûmî belongs to the Mahzum clan of the Quraysh. His father, Ayyâş b. Ebî Rebîa, was one of the companions who embraced Islam in its early days; he migrated to Abyssinia, where Abdullah was born. This characteristic adds a unique dimension to his life as he is one of the few companions born in Abyssinia. Although there are differing opinions among scholars regarding whether he is a companion, some narrations indicate that he saw and interacted with the Prophet Muhammad. Therefore, he is included in some lists of companions. Abdullah b. Ayyaş stood out for his deep knowledge of the science of recitation. There are narrations indicating that during the time of Hz. Ömer, Hz. Ömer found him superior in recitation. This companion-tabi'i figure mentioned in the early transmission chain of the science of recitation played an important role in the institutionalization of Quran teaching. His affiliation with the Mahzum lineage reflects his connection to this ancient tribe of Quraysh and his relationship with the Meccan aristocracy. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Abdullah b. Ayyâş" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/abdullah-b-ayyaş; Ibn Sa'd, et-Tabakāt, VI, 18]