Muwatta 2768

Malik transmits from Rabiah ibn Abi Abd al-Rahman and from several of their scholars that Abu Musa al-Ashari (may God be pleased with him) came seeking permission to enter upon Umar ibn al-Khattab (may God be pleased with him). He sought permission three times, then went back. Umar sent after him: why did you not enter? Abu Musa said: I heard the Messenger of God ﷺ say: seeking permission is three times; if you are given permission, enter, otherwise return. Umar said: who knows this? If you do not bring me someone who knows it, I will do such and such to you. Abu Musa went out to a gathering of the Ansar and told them. They said to Abu Said al-Khudri (may God be pleased with him): get up and go with him. He went with him, and told Umar. Umar said to Abu Musa: I did not suspect you, but I feared that people would say things about the Messenger of God. ¹

Belongs to the Muwatta, Book of Comprehensive Matters (al-Jami). Source: the Muwatta. Mentions Malik ibn Anas, Rabiah ibn Abi Abd al-Rahman, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Abu Musa al-Ashari, Abu Said al-Khudri. Built on in the chapters on seeking permission (istidhan).