Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen

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Saudi Arabian scholar
Modern era
Name
Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen al-Wuhaibi al-Tamimi
Birth 1925
Death 2001
School/tradition Sunni

Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen al-Wuhaibi al-Tamimi (1925-2001 CE) was one of the most prominent Islamic scholars of the latter half of the twentieth century. Born in Saudi Arabia, he memorised the Qur'an at an early age and studied under some of the most knowledgable scholars of the time including: Abd ar-Rahman as-Saa'di, Muhammad Ash-Shanqeeti, and '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.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Birth

His full name 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).

[edit] Education

He received his education from a number of well known scholars such as: 'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Naasir as-Saa'di, Muhammad Amin ash-Shanqeeti, and 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Baaz.

[edit] 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

In giving religious verdicts, 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.

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. 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.

Uthaymeen is regared as one of the greatest Salafi scholars during the later part of the twentieth century, along with Muhammad Nassir ad-Deen al-Albani, Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz and Muqbil ibn Haadee al-Waadi'ee.

He was awarded the King Faisal International Award in the service to Islam on February 8th 1994.

[edit] Character and death

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.[citation needed]

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.

Uthaymeen's body being carried to the Masjid al-Haram

He is among the pre-eminent scholars of the era after 1400H. 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 Abd-al-Aziz ibn Abd-Allah ibn Baaz.

[edit] Works

Shaikh Uthaymeen's well known works include:

[edit] Tafsir (Explanation of the meanings of the Qur'an):

[edit] Hadith (Sayings of Muhammad)

[edit] Aqeedah (Islamic creed):

[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.

Grave of Sheikh Uthaymeen at al-Adel Graveyard


[edit] External links