Abdullah ibn Mas'ud remained closely attached to the Prophet. He would attend to his needs both inside and outside the house. He would accompany him on journeys and expeditions. He would wake him when he slept. He would shield him when he washed. He would carry his staff and his siwak (toothbrush) and attend to his other personal needs.
Abdullah ibn Mas'ud received a unique training in the household of the Prophet. He was under the guidance of the Prophet, he adopted his manner and followed his every trait until it was said of him, "He was the closest to the Prophet in character."
Abdullah was taught in the "school" of the Prophet. He was the best reciter of the Qur'an among the companions and he understood it better than them all. He was therefore the most knowledgeable on the Shariah.
In Kufah, 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ud left behind his great legacy to 'Alqamah ibn Qays (d. 61 A.H.), Masruq (d. 63 A.H.), and al-Aswad ibn Yazid (d. 74 A.H.). Other Successors from Kufah who were famous for their knowledge of' tafsir were: 'Aamir ash-Sha'bi (d. 109 A.H.), al-Hasan al-Basri (d. 110 A.H.) and Qatadah as-Sadusi (d. 117A.H.)