How can we reconcile Ibn Mas'ud's witnessing of the last 'Ardah (recitation of the Qur'an to the Prophet) and his knowledge of what was abrogated and replaced, with his belief that the two Mu'awwidhatayn (chapters 113 and 114 of the Qur'an) are not part of the Qur'an? And should we deny the narrations that indicate his presence at the last 'Ardah?

Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, was one of the eminent Companions and reciters of the Qur'an. He was among the four from whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, recommended taking the Qur'an. He attended the final presentation of the Qur'an and witnessed what was abrogated and what was changed. What was narrated from him regarding the Mu'awwidhatayn (chapters 113 and 114) is contradicted by what is more authentic. Indeed, the imams of recitations transmitted the Mu'awwidhatayn from him, and the recitation of 'Asim from Ibn Mas'ud includes Al-Fatihah and the Mu'awwidhatayn.

Some scholars have denied the authenticity of what was narrated from Ibn Mas'ud in this regard, including Ibn Hazm and An-Nawawi, considering it a fabricated lie. Ibn Hajar mentioned the proven authenticity of this from Ibn Mas'ud. Scholars have interpreted this in several ways, among them that his denial (assuming its authenticity) was before their Qur'anic nature became clear to him, or that he did not hear them from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and they were not transmitted to him by continuous chains (tawatur).

If his denial is proven, it is to be understood as belonging to the earlier stages of Ibn Mas'ud's knowledge, before their continuous transmission. This denial does not harm the continuous transmission of the Qur'an nor invalidate its established authenticity.