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Revision as of 14:50, 14 May 2007 by MezzoMezzo (talk | contribs) (Major cleanup of grammar and spelling and added Wiki links.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen (1925-2001 CE) was one of the most prominent Islamic scholars of the latter half of the twentieth century. Born in Saudi Arabia, the Sheikh 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 Sheikh 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Baaz. During his many years of study, he became world renowned for his superior knowledge in fiqh, eventually compiling over fifty books on the subject.
Birth
He full nam was Abu 'Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen at-Tamimi an-Najdi. Sheikh Uthaymeen, as he was most known, was born in the city of Unayzah, in the Qaseem Region of Saudi Arabia on 27th Ramadan 1347 AH (1925 CE).
Education
He received his education from a number of well known scholars such as: Sheikh 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Naasir as-Saa'di (1307H - 1376H), Sheikh Muhammad Amin ash-Shanqeeti (1325H - 1393H), and Shikh 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Baaz (1330H - 1420H), among others.
Career
When he entered into teaching, a great number of students from inside and outside Saudi Arabia studied under him. He was known for his own unique style of interpretation and explanation of religious points. He is regarded as being 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, Sheikh Uthaymeen's Fataawa (i.e, rulings/verdicts) are based on the methodology of the Salaf which is evidenced from Qur'an and Sunnah. He has roughly fifty compilations to his credit.
Shikh Uthaymeen delivered lectures in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca for over thirty-five years. His lectures encompassed various subjects including Aqidah, Fiqh, Hadith and Tafsir 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 Sharia Faculty of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Qaseem branch. He was also a member of the Senior Scholars Committee of Saudi Arabia, and was the imam and Khatib of the grand Mosque of Unayzah.
Along with late scholars 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), Sheikh Uthaymeen was one of the greatest Salafi scholars during the later part of the twentieth century.
He was awarded the King Faisal International Award in the service to Islam on February 8th 1994.
His works
Sheikh Uthaymeen's well known works include:
Tafsir (Explanation of the meanings of the Qur'an):
- Tafsir Ayat al-Kursi
- Tafsir Juz Amma
- Tafsir Surah al-Baqarah
- Tafsir Surah al-Kahf
Hadith (Sayings of Muhammad)
- Kitab al-Ilm
- Sharh Riyadh as-Saaliheen
- Mustalahah Hadeeth
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)
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.
Character and death
Sheikh Uthaymeen was famous for his simplicity, modesty, and exceptional mannerisms towards all those he encountered, as well as his exceptional manners in approach to topics free of dogmatic arguments.
He 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. Sheikh Uthaymeen died on Wednesday 15 Shawwal, 1421 AH (January 10th 2001 CE) at the age of seventy-four. He was buried in Mecca along with his peers among the scholars, including the late Sheikh Abd-al-Aziz ibn Abd-Allah ibn Baaz.
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
Sunni Muslim scholars of Islam
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