Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34417 — Reports on Abdullah bin Masud

Al-A'mash (may Allah have mercy on him) said that Habbah bin Juwayn (may Allah have mercy on him) said: We were sitting with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) when we mentioned some of the sayings of Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), and the people began to praise him and said: "O Commander of the Faithful! We have not seen any man better in character than Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), gentler in teaching, stronger in piety, or better in company." At this Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I adjure you by Allah and ask: are you saying this sincerely from your hearts?" The people said: "Yes!" He (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Allah, I make You my witness that I too say the same as what these people have said, or better."