Inspiration and Spirituality
Recounting Memories of Ibn Jibreen – Navaid Aziz
When I found out about the death of our beloved shaikh yesterday it really did move me. At 8:15 in the morning a brother from Jordan called me and informed me of the sad news. At that time I was playing with the baby, and I couldn’t help but to just put her down and contemplate the great loss the ummah had just faced. The rest of the day played out similarly, and for the first time in many weeks I actually fell asleep early, in sorrow and sadness.
Just to share a couple of moments I had with the shaikh -rahimahullah- to relive those memories one last time. I first met Sh. Ibn Jibreen in 2003, when I took a week off from school to go and visit Riyadh, little did I know that I would have the opportunity to visit one of the greatest scholars of our era. My first encounter was rather a funny one. One that I cannot help but laugh at even as I type this. We walked with the shaikh from his masjid to his house after asr, and this was the first opportunity I had to actually get close to the shaikh and see him in person. It was customary for students of knowledge to kiss their teachers on their foreheads when they met them, and I thought this was what was expected of me. Little did I know that I was literally about to be thrown to the floor! As I approached to kiss his forehead this 75 year old man, no taller than 5’8, literally pushed me ten feet away as if I were a fly! The shaikh, as small as he was, was built like a tank! I was later informed that due to his humility he disliked being treated as a “shaikh”, as he only considered himself a student of knowledge, Rahimahullahu rahmatan wasiy’ah.
Another amazing occurrence I witnessed during this visit was when we attended his Thursday morning dawrah. From fajr till about 10 am he would go through about 12 different books. The books that I remember specifically going through with him at that time were: Tafsir of Al-Tabari, Tafsir of Shawkani, Kitab al-Tawhid, Usool al-thalalthah, Imam Nawawi’s 40 hadith, Sharh al-sunnah of al-Muzani, and the mandhoomah of al-ajrumiyyah. This alone is a great feat and accomplishment, but what comes next is even more spectacular and great. We often say about things that come really easy to us: “I could even do that in my sleep”. How shocked I was when I actually saw someone this proficient in his scholarship! When we reached tafsir al-Tabari the shaikh actually started falling asleep, and we could actually hear him gently snoring. At that point, may Allah forgive me, I actually thought to myself “wow, some shaikh he is. He falls a sleep on his students” amazingly enough as the brother read the book out loud the shaikh was able to point out places where he didn’t pause, or places where there should be a comma and their wasn’t, and even the typographical errors in the book while his eyes were closed and his head leaned forward on his chest! It really was a site to be seen! A man so proficient in what he taught that he could do it in his sleep! Rahimahullahu rahmatan wasiy’ah
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
My last encounter with him was during my infamous trip to Riyadh in 2007, where two brothers and I took seven questions and asked them to about 7 different scholars of Riyadh, Sh. Ibn Jibreen was one of them. This time we walked with him to his office, and tens of people are walking behind him to get their personal time with the shaikh. I was actually able to catch up to him before he got into the office, and contemplated if I wanted to take my chances kissing his forehead again. This time I asked him in advance if it was alright with him if I gave him a semi-hug (mu’anakah), and he gracefully accepted and smiled back in return, as if he actually remembered the first incident! As we waited in the office for our turn to sit with him and ask him our seven questions we realized that our recorder was running out of space. We decided that we would delete our sitting with one of the hadith scholars or Riyadh, who in all honesty didn’t even address our questions. As we expected, it turned out to be a wise choice. The shaikh simplistically answered all of our questions and left us with even more points of benefit. We parted from Riyadh later that day, and it was definitely an excellent note to part on. Rahimahullahu rahmatan wasiy’ah.
I often wondered how the ummah dealt with the deaths of such luminaries as Abu Hanifah, Malik, Shafi’ee, and Ahmad. Even those after them from the likes of Al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajr, and Ibn Taymiyyah, May Allah have mercy on all of them. After Sh. Ibn Jibreen’s death I have come to realize that we can’t really “deal” with it. Like his predecessors, Sh. Ibn Jibreen filled a great void in true scholarship, the likes we may never see again. Like his predecessors he was truly a giant amongst men. And like his predecessors if the likes of him is replaced with someone who has half the knowledge, half the calibre, and is half the man he was, there would still be plenty of hope in this Ummah. For our sake I pray Allah does.
Sh. Jibreen will certainly be missed.
May Allah have the utmost of mercy upon Sh. Jibreen, forgive him for his shortcomings, and raise him amongst his predecessors from the prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs, and the righteous, and what good company they truly are. Ameen
****
وقال فضيلة الشيخ سلمان في تصريح لموقع الإسلام اليوم: “إنَّ فضيلة الشيخ ابن جبرين من أكبرِ علماء المملكة وأقواهم نشاطًا وأوسعهم تأثيرًا.. شديد التواضع.. عميق الإخلاص.. واسع العلم. لم أَرَهُ غاضبًا ولا مُنْتَصِرًا لنفسِه قطّ.. يُقَبِّلُ رؤوس تلامذته ويأبَى بإصرارٍ أن يقبِّل أحدٌ رأسَه.
Sh. Salman al ‘awdah said about him: “Indeed the illustrious scholar Ibn Jibreen was from the greatest scholars of Saudi Arabia, and the most enthusiastic of them in giving da’wah, and from those that had the greatest of effects. He was extremely humble, truly sincere, and vast in knowledge. I never saw him get upset, nor ever try to put himself above others. He used to kiss the heads of his students, and would outright refuse to have anyone kiss his head…”
http://islamtoday.net/albasheer/artshow-12-116105.htm
****
Video of the Shaykh’s Janaza prayer:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTirsY5Oyk[/youtube]
Please also check out this talk by Sh. Haitham al-Haddad
[HTML1]
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
International Criminal Court Warrant Galls Genocidaires
Ensuring The Safety Of Our Communities: A Call For Immediate Corrective Action From American Muslim Organizations
[Podcast] How To Free A Jinn & Other Questions | Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 3] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Processing Spiritual Abuse In Islam: A Comprehensive Guide For Individuals, Communities, And Organizations
MuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff
Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
Keeping Our Children Safe From Predators: A Guide For Parents
From The Chaplain’s Desk – Reap The Rewards Of Being Mindful Of Allah
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 1] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
IOK Ramadan: The Importance of Spiritual Purification | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep30]
IOK Ramadan: The Power of Prayer | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep29]
IOK Ramadan: The Weight of the Qur’an | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep28]
-
Announcements3 weeks agoMuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff
-
#Current Affairs1 month ago
Why Mehdi Hasan’s “Lesser Of Two Evils” Election Advice Is Wrong
-
#Society3 weeks ago
Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network
-
#Current Affairs1 month ago
Israel Kills Yahya Sinwar: Hamas’ Iron Man Exits The Stage
Yasir Qadhi
July 15, 2009 at 12:14 AM
Ma sha Allah, great post.
And I can testify to this very fact as well: when his student Sh. Haitham al-Haddad (presently residing in London) visited him in Riyadh (and I was with Sh. Haitham), he attempted to kiss his forehead, but Sh. Ibn Jibreen, despite his small size, managed to prevent him from doing so and instead kissed Sh. Haitham on his forehead! This, despite the fact that Sh. Haitham is probably 1/3 Sh. Ibn Jibreen’s age. It was a sight to see, subhan Allah.
May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannah…
KS
July 15, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Asa,
Sorry i just wanted to check the Shaykh’s age the papers keep saying he was 78 year sold – this would make Sh Haitham 26 years old?
Also a shame Sh Haitham didn’t mention Imam Al-Albani in his talk, for verily he was amongst the great scholars of our era and his name can’t be separated with that of Imam Ibn Baz & Ibn Uthaymin as they them selves attested to his scholarship.
Hassan
July 15, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Who said Sh Haitham is 1/3 of his age still? I feel sorry for your math. May be he met when Sh Haitham was 20 and Sh Ibn Jibreen was 60, so that would make sh Haitham 38 now, happy?
Broooo
July 15, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Bro. Relax. He was just asking.
Abu Abdaen
July 17, 2009 at 7:12 AM
KS, I will think it was a slip from Shaykh Haytham or his personal preference.
However, we know that the 3 icons of the last generation were Shakhs Ibn AlBaaz, ibn AlUthaimeen and Albaani (in no particular order), then followed by the other scholars. My Shaykh, Shaykh Ibn Sulaiman, once told me that one time Shaykh Ibn Baaz was asked if there is a mujaddid of this century, he said if it was not Shaykh Albaani, then who else? Another time, Shaykh Albaani was asked by one of his students if there are issues that bothers them and he was not around, who else should they ask, he said Shaykh Ibn Baaz, they asked, and after, he said, Shaykh Ibn AlUthaimeen. There are many narrations abound from a lot of their students. We love all our scholars and we do not purify one over the other.
A time like this makes it imperative to reinforce some important issues that are escaping some of us that ascribe to the dawah of Ahlus Sunnah, especially, the muslims of the west. We are faced with so many challenges that threaten our deen and by that the essence of our lives. Sometimes, we are usually hasty in dealing with these issues, and we resort to the approaches of the misguided ones but rather if we make recourse to the Ahlu Dhikr, it will be better for us.
May Allaah grant them all jannatul fidaws and make us follow in their fotsteps.
Amatullah
July 15, 2009 at 12:28 AM
SubhanAllah, may Allah enter him into His Rahmah.
Although many of us have never met the shaykh (rahimahullah), we love him and are truly saddened by this great loss. This major scholar considered himself to be a student of knowledge, La ilaaha il Allah!
I couldn’t help but remember this hadeeth while reading that statement:
After my death, no member of my ummah will ever be stricken with a calamity greater than the loss of me. “
[Reported by Ibn Maajah, 1588; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 7879]
Jazaak Allahu khayran brother Navaid for sharing these beautiful moments.
Amatullah
July 15, 2009 at 1:34 AM
I also can’t help but wonder why the death of MJ received more attention from the Muslims than the death of shaykh ibn jibreen rahimahullah…How sad are we?
One of the salaf said that when he hears about the death of a man from ahlus sunnah, it is as if he lost a part of his body.
Saimah
July 15, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. May Allah have Mercy on Shaykh Ibn Jibreen.
Amatullah, your point about MJ is so true and at the same time so sad. JazakAllah Khayr for sharing Sh. Navaid.
aarij
July 15, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Not that I’m justifying the reaction of the Muslims, but to be fair, there are other scholars in the Muslim world that are of a similar caliber as Shaikh ibn Jibreen [RA]. For example, Shaikh Abu Ishaaq Al-Huwaynee in Egypt is one of them. His students (e.g. my Qu’ran teacher!) will tell you that he is on the same level as Shaikh Al-Albanee [RA].
And MJ…well he was truly one-of-a-kind, whether we like it or not. He was the number 1 celebrity for a decade and was unparalleled in his style. Again, not that I’m justifying the reaction, but keep these things in mind for a better perspective.
Amatullah
July 15, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Alhamdulillah, no one has stated that shaykh ibn Jibreen rahimahullah was the last living scholar on the planet but just like the death of any scholar, it brings sadness for losing a huge beacon of Ilm for our Ummah.
Alhamdulillah, scholars remain around the world and I remember when Umar ibn al Khattab radi Allahu anhu was stabbed, he advised: “Indeed Allah will not allow His religion to be lost!”
It was said to him: `Appoint a Caliph!`
He responded: “Indeed Allah will not allow his religion to be lost!”
The point I was trying to make is not that MJ wasn’t “one of a kind” or that the reaction to his death was not justified, but that there was more attention on losing him, a musician, than the death of a major scholar. I think that tells us something, don’t you?
at the end of the day, the lesson for us is that every soul shall taste death.
Allahu ta’ala a’lam.
Arif
August 27, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Just as a point of reference, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi said, ““Truly with the death of the Shaykh we have lost the last of the great giants of our era…and Allah does not remove knowledge from the chests of men, but rather through the death of scholars.â€
Student
July 15, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Salamu’alaikum
It is a trial of students of knowledge that they don’t recognize the scholars and their rank amongst others. That they don’t recognize the lifetime dedication of scholars such as ibn Jibreen and ‘understand’ the dedications that singers and musicians have brought (may Allah forgive MJ if he died upon Islam).
Allahul Musta’an.
Shaykh Abu Ishaq hafidhahullah and nearly many of the scholars of Misr nor the entire Middle Eastern peninsula, nor South East Asia or anywhere in the world would ever accept being preferred over the sheer SENIORITY and rank of Shaykh ibn Jibreen rahimahullah.
It is only our own ignorance to blame that we don’t recognize that.
The Zuhd of the shaykh – that he would REJECT positions of rank in the Kingdom.
His Knowledge, that he LITERALLY in these past 2 months before his serious sickness began he would teach 6+ classes DAILY, of them some between the ADHAN and IQAMAH of prayers explaining a book.
His organization and teaching schedule and dedication to his students remains unsurpassed – for his own PRIVATE estate dedicated to his students in which he paid for their stay to learn and dedicate themselves to the knowledge of Allah’s Religion and the learning of the Prophetic way..
His depth and great wisdom in answering questions – showing care and understanding towards the questioner and their situation.
I sincerely advise the beginner students of knowledge to learn and truly understand the status of these scholars and inculcate their example by studying their lives and taking an admonition from them.
None of them ever wished the limelight none of them put themselves forward, none of them ever mentioned their achievements or teachers in order to gain rank in the sight of men and in fact ran away from grandeur and fame. Their sincerity brought the love of the people around them and the effect of their work touched countless as they taught and through the hands of their students, populations felt the effect of their tireless efforts for the sake of Allah..
This is the mark of a scholar – and it is truly sad that we see some students after barely having begun their study, lacking that recognition and tarbiyyah aspect in understanding the manners and rights scholars are owed..
Students of knowledge a reminder to purify intentions and not feel free from the planning of shaytan, to follow the example of these scholars reflecting upon it ESPECIALLY in their time of death, and to remember the statement of
Ibn Mas’ud radyAllahu ‘anh who said
“If anyone wishes to hold on (to the example) of someone, then let them hold strong (to the example) of those who have died, because the living have no guarantee to be free from fitnah (trials, tribulations that may cause them to go astray).”
May Allah allow us to recognize the rights of our ‘ulama and fulfill their rights, and purify our intentions.
May Allah forgive our shaykh ibn Jibreen, and grant him the highest stations in Jannah, multiply his rewards, and forgive his sins. Ameen.
WAllahu ‘Alam
Pingback: Shining Stars of the Muslim Ummah: Salafi - Page 2
Nihal Khan
July 15, 2009 at 2:36 AM
May Allah (SWT) make us rise up in Sh. Jibreen’s footsteps, ameen.
UmmeAmmaarah
July 15, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Aameen, thumma aameen.
Ibn AbuAisha
July 15, 2009 at 2:39 AM
Ya Rabbi, everytime I read about the Shaykh, it fills my heart with sadness. So many people didn’t know the Shaykh and when they read his biography, they were moved. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaws and grant Sabr to his family and the Ummah. May Allah bestow upon us righteous Scholars.
Barak Allahu Feekum Brother Navaid for sharing with us some glimpses into the Shaykh’s life which was truly filled with morals.
Pingback: Sh. 'Abdullaah ibn Jibreen (rh) has passed away! - Page 2 - LI Islamic Forum
Amad
July 15, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Arabnews, Saudi’s main English newspaper online (I think) had just a short blurb on the Shaykh’s death.
Interesting lack of coverage here.
Hassan
July 15, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Arabnews leans left….
Nazir
July 15, 2009 at 10:58 AM
It would be good if you could add in this lecture by Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad on the passing of Shaykh Ibn Jibreen:
http://www.islamictube.net/watch/58aeb877a99486c9c941/140709
Alhamdulillah
July 15, 2009 at 11:04 AM
What is important is the coverage in the next life,
with the angels, the righteous, the pious, the martyrs, the truthful and the prophets upon whom be peace – in the Afterlife.
We pray that he, raheem’Allah, was relieved of this world, and the news is abound in the next world and aforementioned are happy and enjoying his company in the Afterlife, because that is the real life.
And we pray he falls undering the heading of the follow hadith:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said: Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him. [Bukhari]
LearningArabic
July 15, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Subhanallah!
May Allah bless the Shaykh and enter him into the highest abode of Jannah.
I haven’t heard much about the Shaykh before this article. I am amazed at the level of dedication, scholarship, and humility that he had.
These are our true role models. When we read articles like this, we should become inspired to seek more and more knowledge and improve upon our relationship with our creator.
Navaid Aziz
July 15, 2009 at 11:43 AM
As salam ‘alaikum,
The shaikh shall truly be missed, Rahimahullah. The video of the burial reminded me of how our predecessors used to say that Ahl al-Sunnah would be known by their Janazahs, by a an overwhelming plethora of people attending. Allah not only places a natural love and affinity in the hearts of the people for them, but likewise they are the most beneficent to mankind as well. Truly, Sh. Ibn Jibreen fits those characteristics.
A video by Sh. Haitham Haddad has been added to this post as well, please take the time to view it. And for our Arabic speakers listen to this clip as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXb9aFyjwfM&feature=related
Hafidhana Allahu wa eyyaakum.
Mlm
July 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM
“And for our Arabic speakers listen to this clip as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXb9aFyjwfM&feature=related“
– Beautfiul talk, subhaan’allaah.
Pingback: Sh. Haitham Haddad - The Death of Ibn Jibreen (rahimahullah) - LI Islamic Forum
Ahmed
July 15, 2009 at 5:41 PM
two brothers and I took seven questions and asked them to about 7 different scholars of Riyadh, Sh. Ibn Jibreen was one of them.
Any chance you might share those questions and his answers with us?
Jazakum Allahu khairan for the beautiful stories of the Shaikh, rahimahullahu ta’aala rahmatan wasi’a
Ibn Shamsud-Deen
July 16, 2009 at 12:45 AM
As-Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah.
Is there an mp3 format for the talk by Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad which i can download?
Mohammed
July 25, 2009 at 1:50 PM
http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/4/20/2411006/Legacy%20of%20Sheikh%20Abdullah%20Ibn%20Jibreen%20150709.mp3
Ibn Shamsud-Deen
July 25, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Shukran.. jazaakAllaahu khair..
Yaser Birjas
July 16, 2009 at 1:17 AM
Beautiful, Jazakum Allahu khayran.
This reminded me when I first met sh. Ibn Jibreen rahimahullah in Makkah during the month of Ramadan. He was sitting with us in the Haram for Iftar on the same food spread, made of dates and coffee as was the custom there, and you could not tell of his special status until someone who knows him would identifiy him for you. It was such an amazing moment, I thought to myself… alhamdulillah, Ibn Baz, Ibn Uthaymeen, al-Albani and now sh. Ibn Jibreen…who was in the circle of scholarship left to meet?!!
May Allah forgive him and have mercy on him and all our mashaayekh and ulamaa’.
Abu Ayesha Al Emarati
July 16, 2009 at 10:10 AM
The extremists called him a ”hizbee” and ”a takfeeri in salafi clothing”, may Allah hold these people to account.
A lot of these narrow-minded individuals refused to accept Allamah Ibn Jibreen raheemahullah as one of the Kibaar and the fact that he was on par with Sheikhs Ibn Baz and Al Albaani Alla yarhamahum ajmaa’een was a constant thorn in the sides of the extremists.
As I mentioned, it was Sheikh Ibn Jibreen’s independant stance and unique perspective on issues that riled the mutashadideen.
followerofSalaf
July 16, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Assalamualaikum,
It is interesting to note that all the anecdotes mentioned about these shuyookh are related ot private matters of worship e.g. dhikr, fasting, tahajjud etc. As the imams of ahl-sunnah, where are the examples that relate to the changes they made in the society around them and what they did to better the lives of other people.
For example:
1. Racism is a big issue in SA. What did these scholars do to address that? I would like to hear some examples.
2. Mistreatment f south-asian laborers, maids, workers is a big issue in SA. What did these scholars do to address/chage that? Did they push for worker rights? I would like to hear how a scholar helped a poor waiter from India/Bangladesh/Pakistan who was working in a hotel in Mecca/Medina/Riyadh who hadn’t been paid for 12 months (I have met such a person). Were these scholars aware that this was going on in their society? Why are they not aware of these issues and do anything about this?
What is more important? Constantly reading sahih Bukhari day and night (which you’ve read 1000 times already) and can repeat in your sleep or releieving oppression/distress from your oppressed brother?
You see clearly from the example of the sahaba that they did not engross themselves into memorizing ahadith and even Quran etc. to the extent that our comtemporary scholars are used ot doing instead they would balance their lives with caring and doing small action for the people around them. e.g. Omar making the rounds of Medina to make sure everyone was well fed. Where are these exmaples from our scholars. All I hear about is memorization, reading. study, and private acts of devotion which have their place but are not the end-all and be-all of this religion.
3. It is interesting thaty in Sh. Haitham’s lecture he mentioned sh. Bin Baaz would make dhikr after taking every morsel of food. Imagine if the same action had been done by some ‘sufi’ shaikh!! Everyone would have jumped on him saying where is the example from Rasoolullah (SW) and sahaba for this and this an innovation etc. Why is the same standard not being applied here?
And please respond by addressing the issue and not attack me by accusing me of ‘disrespecting’ the scholars – I have heard it all before!!
Hassan
July 16, 2009 at 5:24 PM
How dare you are making me think, but remember “tasfiyah and tarbiyah”…
Abû Mûsâ Al-Ḥabashî
July 16, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Huge exaggeration.
UBAIDA
July 16, 2009 at 8:14 PM
it is not only south asian who are subject to racism also brothers from africa.
may allah forgive this scholar and protect his family members, ameen.
The problem that i have with some students who go to learn islam is that the only scholars in the world is from saudi arabia or arab world AND THIS IS INJUSTICE.
MM Associates
July 17, 2009 at 2:18 AM
Dear brother, there is a time and place for everything, including criticism. The scholar just passed away and it is a bit morbid to do it now.
May Allah [swt] raise Sh. Ibn Jibreen to the highest ranks in Paradise.
-J.Hashmi
Abu Abdaen
July 17, 2009 at 4:30 AM
Akhii, you’re right. But, know that every country has its own problems to deal with, but some are worse than others. Saudi is not a perfect country, but wallaahi, even the worst dibelieving kaafir will testify to the tranquility that abound there. However, for the good treatment of people, evidences abound of the good nature of these mashaayikh towards the people around them, interceding for them on their rights and enjoining the people to do right and shun evils. These are too numeous to mention. Their writings, sermons, talks are all filled with these and even their close students report these of their actions.
Unfortunately, I know that most people that ask these questions (Not saying in your own case though) are alluding to other things, such as public warning and criticism of the government, mass actions, and all the rest that we have in the western society. Know, dear brother, that we have our way, which is the way of the Salaf (And I like your nick-followerofSalaf). The knowledge and experience of the elders have shown that following this way will lead to the rectification of our affairs. We should not be hasty, rather we should persevere on this way.
In addition, a lot of times the scholars do warn the scholars, albeit in private. I’ll give you an example (although it relates between 2 scholars), a certain time, one of the scholars (Shaykh BAkr Abu Zayd) wrote a refutation to another scholar while some people took hold of this and published it. It really annoyed the Shaykh to the extent that he was almost cursing the culprit for creating such evil. If this will happen amongst scholars, how much more the leaders.
I hope this is enough for you and us. I pray that Allaah guide us to the best understanding of the deen, for His prophet said, Whoever Allaah wants good for, He gives him the sound understanding of the deen. May he increase our love for our brothers, from amongst the scholars and the masses, and enter us into Jannah. Aaamin
Muslim
July 19, 2009 at 11:33 AM
salams
May Allah forgive the dead of Mumineens. the scholar is dead, may Allah forgive him. Its of no point to criticize him of what is happening in Saudi society, sole responsibilty of state lies on the head of state. there is little that can be done in SA, there are many examples of scholars speaking out against the bad and they end up in remote jail within a few hours. racism is high in SA, except a few good people, arabs in general are more racist towards muslims than the christians are towards muslims. they treat Asian workers worst than animals, spitting on them, hitting them even killing them without being brought to justice. Remember these Bedouins are the ones who pulled Rasulullah’s (peace be upon him) cloth to the extent that he got marks on his neck, all just for some booty. dont expect them to treat fellow humans (except white masters) any better.
Abu Abdaen
July 17, 2009 at 4:52 AM
Also Akhii followerofSalaf,
What the shaykh did is neither exaggeration nor innovation. You are allowed too make dhikr of Allaah as much as you can, only within the confines of shariah. Pls be more open minded.
Hassan
July 20, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Some of your questions have been answered in this khutbah by Sh Waleed:
http://muslimmatters.org/2009/07/20/virtues-of-allamah-ibn-jibreen-shaykh-waleed-basyouni/
Pingback: Shaykh Abdullah bin Jibreen [ra] (1352h-1430h) « Youth Matters
abu Rumay-s.a.
July 16, 2009 at 5:20 PM
There was a nice show on al Risala (www.alresalah.net) dedicated to memories of Shaikh Ibn Jibreen. Two of the people on the show were his students, Shk. Abdul Wahab Turairi (islamtoday.net) and Qari Nasir Qitami. SubhanAllah, from their experiences with Shaikh Jibreen, I got a much better idea of the kind of blessed scholar and human he was. What follows are just some notes I jotted down (my arabic is very elementary, so pls excuse the rough (mis) translation)..
1. The Shaikh used to teach more than 40 lectures (on diff. subjects /topics) in a single week.
2. Dr. A.W. Turairi said when he was 16 and studied under Shaikh Jibreen, he saw himself very distant from him (in knowledge). When Dr. Turairi attained his masters, he saw himself farther in distance in knowledge, and when finished his PHD, he saw himself even further than Shaikh Jibreen (in knowledge)..
3. Dr. Turairi mentioned that the Shaikh Jibreen’s fatawa were generally to make things easy for people (as per Sharia off course). One example is he was one of the 1st masha`aikh to rule on the permissability of throwing stones (rami) before Zawal (midnoon) during Hajj.
4. Dr. Turairi mentioned that Shaikh Jibreen had an amazing capacity and endurance (taaqa) with knowledge, he would not tire with it…(as is evident from his day long teaching activities and study circiles)
5. It was also mentioned that the shaikh had great humulity (tawadeh). He used to live in a clay house some time ago. When someone tried to kiss his hands, he would prevent them and would kiss that persons hands himself!
One time Dr. Turairi tried to put his shoes ready for him and he angrly said, “astagfirullah” and it angered him, so the Dr. did not do it again…
6. One time he finished a study session and exited the masjid with the usual crowd of students around him. He saw some young boys playing soccer near by, he moved the students of knowledge around him away, then proceeded to kick the ball to the little boys.
7. Qari Nasir Qitami mentions that irrespective of whom he accompanied, he respected them and honored them the same, he was himself, the same person in any circle. He witnessed this when they met some of the Royal family and when he used to deal with ordinary people or even chlildren. His way and respect was the same to all.
The most amazing thing to me from what I have heard from his students is remarkable love for knowledge, his action upon that knwoledge, his sincere dedication and longing to gain knowledge and teach it….
If anyone thinks that he or she is dedicated to knwoledge, then you have to read about this great person’s life to understand what is true dedication and love towards knoweldge. It was as if knowledge was his breath, without it he could not carry on. SubhanAllah, Dr. Turairi mentioned even when he was on his hospital bed, he would get up and go for the dars then return back to his hospital bed. I believe this is the light of knowledge that gives life and illuminates the one who honors it…may Allah ta`ala shower his infinite blesseings and mercy on our beloved Shaikh and admit him with the saliheen, sidiqeen, shuhadaa and the prophets….ameen…
Umm Abdullah
July 17, 2009 at 12:20 AM
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009071743930
zaki hammaad
July 17, 2009 at 3:45 AM
I think we should stop falling in divisive topics of “who is greater”; this is a general and a loaded question. We have deep love for all the scholars of Ahlul Hadeeth. It shows the responsibility the Muslim have in raising righteous children who will one day take over the roles of leadership in knowledge.