Salam
It is reported from ‘Abdullâh ibn. ‘Abbâs – May Allâh be pleased with them – that he said:
After Allâh’s Messenger passed away, I said to a man from the Ansâr, “Come, let us ask [and learn from] the Prophet’s Companions, , for they are many in number today.”
He replied, “I am surprised at you Ibn ‘Abbâs – do you really think people need you when there are so many Companions of the Prophet? ”
So he did not involve himself in this endeavor, but I busied myself asking [the Companions about issues].
If I heard of a hadîth being reported by a man, I would come to him and if he was taking his midday nap I would lay down my garment and lie outside waiting for him, with the wind blowing dust in my face.
The man would come out [for Dhuhr] and see me in that state, and he would exclaim, “O nephew of Allâh’s Messenger! What has brought you here?
You should have sent for me and I would have come to you!” I would say, “Rather I should come to you [to seek knowledge].”
I would then ask him about the hadîth I heard. The man [who I originally invited to seek knowledge with me] remained as he was, and when he saw how people would gather around me [to seek knowledge]
He said, “For sure, this young man was more intelligent than me.”
Wasalam ...
