What is the reference and authenticity of this narration?
It was reported that Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said:
“The Islam of ‘Umar was an opening, his migration was a victory and his leadership a mercy. I swear by Allah that we were unable to pray at the Ka’bah until ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam.”
Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Al Mu’jamul Kabir: 8806)
‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable. However, he states that there is an omission in the chain.
(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 9 pg. 62)
The narration is suitable to quote.
(Also see: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 3684)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar