Al-Dahhak bin Muzahim narrates: Nafi' bin al-Azraq asked Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) about this statement of Allah Almighty: "al-Samad". He said: As for the word "Ahad", we know it; what is meant by "Samad"? Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: The One to whom recourse is made in all matters. He asked: Did the Arabs know this meaning before the Book was revealed to Sayyiduna Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)? Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) replied: Yes! Have you not heard this verse of al-Asadiyyah: "Lo! The herald of death should bring Banu Asad the news of Amr bin Mas'ud, who was a chief and the one to whom recourse was made." Nafi' said: You have spoken the truth.
Al-Tabarani recorded it within a long hadith, which has already appeared under "How is the Qur'an to be interpreted?"; its chain contains Juwaybir, who is matruk (abandoned).
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب التفسير / 11531