Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen (1925-2001 CE) was one of the most prominent Salafi Islamic scholars of the latter half of the twentieth century. Born in Saudi Arabia, the Shaykh memorised the Qur'an at an early age and studied under some of the most knowledgable scholars of the time including: Shaykh Abd ar-Rahman as-Saa'di, Shaykh Muhammad Ash-Shanqeeti, and Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baaz. During his many years of study, he became world renowned for his superior knowledge in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), eventually compiling over fifty books on the subject.
Contents |
[edit] Birth
He was the Shaykh, the faqeeh, the scholar of Najd, Abu Abdullah, Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen at-Tamimi an-Najdi. Shaykh Uthaymeen, as he was most known, was born in the city of Unayzah, in the Qaseem Region of Saudi Arabia on 27th Ramadhan 1347 AH (1925 CE).
[edit] Education
He received his education from a number of well known scholars such as: Shaykh Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Saa'di (1307H - 1376H), Shaykh Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqeeti (1325H - 1393H), and Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baaz (1330H - 1420H), along with many more.
[edit] Career
When he entered into teaching, a great number of students from inside and outside Saudi Arabia benefited from him. He was known for his own unique style of interpretation and explanation of religious points. He is from among those scholars who served Islam without any type of religious prejudice and kept themselves away from the limitations of blind-following. He is distinguished in his great exertion of effort in religious matters and analogical deductions which clearly prove the religious understanding he possessed, and the correct usage of the principles of religion he adopted.
In giving religious verdicts, Shaykh Uthaymeen's Fataawa (i.e, rulings/verdicts) are based on the Manhaj (methodology) of the Salaf which is evidenced from Qur'an and Sunnah. He has about fifty compilations to his credit.
The Shaykh delivered lectures in the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for over 35 years. His lectures encompassed various subjects including Aqidah (monotheism), Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith and Tafsir (explanation of the Quran) as well as books of theology by scholars such as Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn al-Qayyim. Recently, before his death, he taught religious Fundamentals at the Sharee'ah Faculty of Imam Muhammad ibn Sa'ud Islamic University, Qaseem Branch. He was also a member of the Senior Scholars Committee of Saudi Arabia, and was the Imaam and Khateeb of the grand Mosque of Unayzah city.
Along with late Shaykhs Muhammad Nassir ad-Deen al-Albani (d. 1420H), Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz (d. 1420H) and Muqbil Ibn Haadee al-Waadi'ee (d. 1422H), Shaykh Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen was one of the greatest Salafi scholars during the early part of the 15th century in the Hijri calendar.
He was awarded the King Faisal International Award in the service to Islam on February 8th 1994.
[edit] His works
Shaykh Uthaymeen's well-known works include:
[edit] Tafsir (Explanation of the meanings of the Qur'an):
-
- Tafsir Ayat al-Kursi
- Tafsir Juz Amma
- Tafsir Surah al-Baqarah
- Tafsir Surah al-Kahf
[edit] Hadith (Sayings of Muhammad)
-
- Kitab al-Ilm
- Sharh Riyadh as-Saaliheen
- Mustalahah Hadeeth
[edit] Aqeedah (Islamic creed):
-
- Aqeedah Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah
- Qawaa'id Muthla fi Sifaati Allah wa Asmaa'ihil Husna
- Qawl Mufiid ala Kitab al-Tawhid
- Sharh al-Aqeedat Al-Hamawiyyah
- Sharh al-Aqeedat Al-Waasittiyah
- Sharh Kashf ash-Shubuhaat
- Sharh Lum'at al-I'tiqad
- Sharh Usool al-Iman (link to English translation)
- Sharh Usool al-Thalaathah (link to English translation)
[edit] Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence):
-
- Fataawa Arkan Islam
- Majmoo' al-Fataawa
- Ash-Sharh al-Mumti, an explanation of Zaad al-Mustaqni'
- Umdat al-Ahkam
His works are well-known for their quality and thoroughness. Most of his books are easily understood by the layman while still provide the depth desired by students of knowledge. All points and statements he makes in his books are founded on Qur'an, authentic hadith, and the understanding of the companions of Muhammad.
[edit] Character and death
Shaykh Uthaymeen was famous for his simplicity, modesty, along with exceptional mannerisms towards all those he encountered, as well as his exceptional manners in approach to topics free of dogmatic arguments.
The Shaykh had many students from many countries who benefited greatly from him over the years. Many students from all over the world still continue to benefit from his books and tapes.
He is among the pre-eminent scholars of the era after 1400H. Shaykh Uthaymeen died on Wednesday 15 Shawwal, 1421 AH (10 January 2001 CE) at the age of 74. He was buried in Makkah along with his peers among the scholars, including the late Shaykh Abd-al-Aziz ibn Abd-Allah ibn Baaz.
[edit] External links
- Shaykh Uthaymeen's Website (Arabic language)
- Assorted Images and Press Clippings Regarding the Death of Shaykh Uthaymeen
- Interview with the Wife of Muhammad ibn Uthaymeen Regarding his Life
- Biography's Source
- Jewels of Guidance (selected words and incidents from the life of Shaykh Uthaymeen)
- Comprehensive collection of Shaykh Uthaymeen Articles and Books
