His Name and Birth:
His name was Mohammad Amaan bin ‘Alee
Jamee ‘Alee, and he would go by the nickname Abu Ahmad. He was born and raised
in Ethiopia in the district of Harer, town of Taga Tab. According to his
official documents, he was born in 1349H.
His Early Studies:
The Shaykh grew up in the town of Taga
Tab (Ethiopia) where he learned the Nobel Qur’aan. After completing the Qur’aan
he began studying the books of Fiqh according to the Madh-hab of Imaam
Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah). He also studied Arabic in his town with Shaykh
Mohammad Ameen Al Hareree.
He then left his hometown as was the custom of
the inhabitants of that area, and moved to another town where he met with a man
who would become his colleague in seeking knowledge and migrating to Saudi
Arabia, Shaykh ‘Abdul Kareem. So the ties of Islamic brotherhood were formed
between the two of them. After meeting, they would go together to study under a
teacher called Shaykh Moosaa under whom they studies Nadham-uz-Zuhd of Ibn
Raslaan. They then studied the text of al-Minhaaj under Shaykh Abaadir. While in
this town, they learned several disciplines of Islamic knowledge.
The
pair then had a desire to travel to the land of Makkah to seek knowledge and
fulfill the obligation of Hajj. So they left from Ethiopia and headed for
Somalia where they boarded a ship and headed for Aden (Yemen). There they
experienced many hardships and perils on both land and sea, but they continued
on to Hudaidah by foot and fasted the month of Ramadan there.
They then
departed for Saudi Arabia and passed through Saamitah and Abi ‘Areesh until they
got permission to enter Makkah, which they walked to on foot. While in Yemen,
some teachers warned them against the Salafee Da’wah, calling it “Wahhabee”.
His Studies while in Saudi Arabia:
After the Shaykh
performed Hajj in 1369H, he began to seek knowledge in the study circles held in
the precincts of Masjid-ul-Haraam. There, he learned from Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaq
Hamzah (rahimahullaah), Shaykh ‘Abdul Haqq Al Haashimee (rahimahullaah), Shaykh
Muhammad bin ‘Abdillah As-Sumaalee and others.
While in Makkah, he came
to know Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz (rahimahullaah) and accompanied him in his
journey to Riyadh when the Educational Institute was opened. This was in the
early seventies (i.e.1370H).
Some of the colleagues he studied with while
undergoing secondary studies at the Educational Institute was Shaykh ‘Abdul
Muhsin Al ‘Abbad and Shaykh ‘Alee bin Mahnaa, former judge in the Central
Courthouse of Madeenah. At the same time, he would attend the many circles of
knowledge in Riyadh.
He also benefited and was influenced by the (former)
Muftee, the great scholar of Jurisprudence and Principles, Shaykh Mohammad bin
Ibraaheem Aali-Shaykh (rahimahullaah).
He would stick closely to Shaykh
‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al Ifreeqee (rahimahullaah), as well as Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin
Baaz (rahimahullaah), whose vast knowledge and noble manners he was able to
absorb.
In Riyadh, he studied under Shaykh Mohammad Al Ameen
Ash-Shanqeetee (rahimahullaah) and the Muhaddith, Shaykh Hammaad Al Ansaaree
(rahimahullaah).
He was also greatly influenced by Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq
Al ‘Afeefee, even in his manner of teaching. Likewise, he benefited from and was
influenced by Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Naasir As-Sa’adee (rahimahullaah), since
they would write letters to each other. However, it should be known that he did
not study under Shaykh As-Sa’adee. He also learned under Shaykh Mohammad Khaleel
Harraas (rahimahullaah), whom he was greatly influenced by, and Shaykh ‘Abdullah
Al Qar’aawee (rahimahullaah).
His Scholastic Accreditation:
He completed his secondary
studies at the Educational Institute in Riyadh, then joined the College of
Sharee’ah and obtained his diploma in 1380H. He then received the equivalent of
a Masters Degree in Sharee’ah from the University of Punjab (Pakistan) in 1974
and thereafter a Doctorate’s Degree from Daar-ul-‘Uloom in Cairo.
His Scholarly Status and the Scholars Praise for him:
The
Shaykh held a high status amongst the people of knowledge and virtue as they
would mention good things about him and rely on him. In fact, reliance upon his
knowledge and Creed reached the point that when he was a student in Riyadh, and
his teacher Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz, saw his superiority and enthusiasm
for knowledge he referred him to Shaykh Mohammad bin Ibraaheem (rahimahullaah),
which resulted in him being appointed a teacher at the Educational Institute in
Saamitah in the district of Jaazaan.
What also proves the trustworthiness
of his knowledge and Creed and his high regard amongst the scholars was the fact
that when the Islamic University in Madeenah opened, he was appointed to teach
in it after being selected by Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz (rahimahullaah).
In a letter written (no.64) by the former Muftee of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez bin Baaz (rahimahullaah), on 1/9/1418H, said about
him: “He is known to me for possessing knowledge, virtue, a good Creed, and
activeness in Calling to Allaah and warning against innovations and
misconceptions. May Allaah forgive him, grant him an abode in Paradise and keep
his progeny upright. And may He gather us, you and him in the abode of His
honour. Verily, He is All-Hearing and All-Near.”
Shaykh Saalih Al Fawzaan
said: “...Indeed, the students and those who hold various type of higher degrees
are many, but there are only a few from whose knowledge and personality you
could truly benefit from. Shaykh Mohammad Amaan was one of the few rare scholars
who employed their knowledge and efforts in order to benefit Muslims and guide
them by calling them to Allaah upon knowledge.This was via the classes he would
give while at the Islamic University and the Prophet’s Masjid as well as during
excursions he would undertake inside and outside of the Kingdom in order to give
lessons and lectures on various topics. He would call to Tawheed and propagate
the correct Creed, and he would direct the Muslim youth towards the methodology
of the pious Predecessors (Salaf as-Saalih) while warning them about destructive
principles and deviant calls.
Whoever did not know him personally should
get to know him by way of his beneficial books and numerous tapes, which consist
of a deluge of the great amount of knowledge and immense benefit he possessed.”
Shaykh ‘Abdul Muhsin ‘Abbaad said: “I came to know Shaykh Mohammad Amaan bin
‘Alee Al Jamee when he was a student in the Educational Institute in Riyadh and
then when he was a teacher at the Islamic university of Madeenah in the
secondary level and then in the university level. I knew him to have a good
Creed and following a safe course. He dedicated himself to clarifying the Creed
upon the beliefs of the Predecessors and to warning against innovations by way
of his classes, lectures and writings. May Allaah forgive him, have mercy on him
and grant him an immense reward.”
Shaykh Mohammad bin ‘Abdil Wahhaab
Marzooq Al Banna (rahimahullaah) said about him: “He, may Allaah have mercy on
him, was upon good, which we love, such as good manners, sound Creed and
pleasant companionship. I ask Allaah to shower him with His Mercy, grant him an
abode in Paradise, and gather us together there as brothers upon thrones facing
one another."
Shaykh ‘Umar bin Mohammad Fullaata (rahimahullaah) said:
“In general, he may Allaah have mercy on him, was honest in speech, immense in
his ascription to the beliefs of Ahlus-Sunnah, and strong in his desire to call
to Allaah through words and action. He was reserved in speech, strong in
clarifying, and quick to get angry when Allaah’s laws were violated. The
gatherings he would hold in the Prophet’s Masjid, the books he would distribute,
the travels he would undergo speak on his behalf.
I accompanied him one
time on a journey and what a great friend he was! He himself accompanied the
scholar Mohammad Al Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allaah have mercy on him, author
of Adwaa-ul-Bayaan and other books, on a journey and also served as a good
companion for him. A journey is that in which the true nature of a man becomes
revealed. He would not flatter others, nor would he be hypocritical. He would
not argue or dispute with others. If the proof was with him, he would openly
proclaim it. And if the opposite of what he adhered to became apparent to him,
he would take on that view and recant from his prior position. This is the
common practice of the believers as Allaah says: "The only saying of the
faithful believers when they are called to Allaah and His Messenger to judge
between them is that they say: ‘We hear and we obey!’ Such are the successful.”
[Surah An-Noor: 51]
I call upon Allaah as a witness to the fact that he,
may Allaah have mercy on him, fulfilled many times over his duty of serving the
Religion and spreading the Sunnah of the chief of messengers (i.e. Prophet
Mohammad). As a result he encountered much harm and was subjected to plots and
conspiracies, but he did not give in nor was he dissuaded from his goal until he
met Allaah. The last words he uttered were the testimonies of Laa Illaha
illa-Allaah and Muhammadur-Rasoolullaah."
Shaykh ‘Umar Fullaata (may
Allaah have mercy on him) also said: “I came to know Shaykh Mohammad Amaan bin
‘Alee Al Jamee, may Allaah have mercy on him, from a long time ago, after he
came to this country (of Saudi Arabia) seeking knowledge, searching for good and
looking to learn the Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah.
I met him in
1372H in the home of our teacher, example, and fatherly figure, Shaykh
‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Yusuf Al Ifreeqee, may Allaah have mercy on him and us, in
Riyadh, since he would spend a lot of time with him and benefit from him. When I
asked about him I was informed that he had come from Saamitah where he would
teach and participate in examinations in the Educational Institute and faculties
under the Aali-Shaykh family.
What caused me to notice him at that time
was his vigour, zeal, superiority and great concern for speaking the pure Arabic
language as well as his ability to explain clearly some of the problematic Fiqh
issues, which show that he was well versed student of knowledge.
Not much
time passed since then when it was conveyed to me that our teacher, Shaykh
‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al Ifreeqee, presented him with the opportunity of becoming part
of his family by way of him marrying his wife’s sister. So based on this, the
ties between them became strengthened and the connection and love between them
increased.”
Dr. Mohammad Hamood Al Waa’ilee said: "I began my
acquaintance of the Shaykh in 1381H when this noble country of Saudi Arabia
first opened the Islamic University of Madeenah. He was one of the first to
teach there and I was one of his students. He was from a number of teachers that
would give their students special attention, which was not restricted to just
that of a student-teacher relationship in class.
He would devote a great
amount of attention in most of his classes to the Creed of the Pious
Predecessors, may Allaah have be please with them, and would not let any
opportunity pass in which he would not explain its status and high position.
This was the same whether his lessons were on Creed or on other subjects.
When he would discuss the Creed of the Pious Predecessors and attempt to
implant it into the souls of his students – a majority of who came from all
places abroad – he would speak with profound experience and knowledge of this
Creed, as he had tasted its sweetness and treaded its path, to the point that
those listening and watching him would feel as though their hearts would become
soft with love and affection for it.
He would undergo journeys in order
to spread the Call and teach outside of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He would
not let any occasion or opportunity pass without clearly explaining the
loftiness, purity and nobility of this Creed. Anyone who reads the books and
treatises that he wrote will come to realize the truth of his Call.
I
attended the deliberation of his doctorate’s dissertation in Dar-ul-‘Uloom,
which falls under the University of Cairo in Egypt. In most of his research, he
strove to clarify the purity of the Creed and the soundness of the methodology
of the Pious Predecessors. His academic persona became apparent throughout the
discourse in his ability to expose the falseness of every methodology that
deviated from the methodology of the Pious Predecessors…"
Dr. Mohammad
bin ‘Abdir-Rahmaan Al Khumayyis wrote: “The noble Shaykh Mohammad Amaan bin
‘Alee Al Jamee, may Allaah have mercy on him, from what I knew about him, was
from the strongest at defending and calling to the Creed of the Pious
Predecessors. He would defend it in books, lectures and seminars. And he was
strict in refuting those who opposed the Creed of the Pious Predecessors.
It is as if he sacrificed his entire life for this Creed in terms of
learning it, teaching it, instructing it and calling to it. He realised the
importance that this Creed has on the life and uprightness of a human being. And
he acknowledged the danger that innovations which opposed this Creed have on the
livelihood of society and individuals. So may Allaah have mercy on him and
forgive him and all of the muslims.
His Books and Writings:
The Shaykh authored several books
and delivered many lectures and classes, which were transcribed and published
before and after his death. Below is a list of some of his most famous and
highly regarded works:
1. As-Sifaat-ul-Illaahiyyah fil-Kitaab was-Sunnah
an-Nabawiyyah fee Daw’-il-Ithbaat wat-Tanzeeh [The Devine Attributes in the
Qur’aan and Prophetic Sunnah in light of Affirming and Absolving] This is one of
the larger books of the Shaykh, which is highly beneficial in its subject.
2.
Adwaa ‘alaa Tareeq as-Da’wah ilal-Islaam [Illuminations upon the Path of Calling
to Islaam] This book consists of a number of lectures he gave, which affirm the
Creed of the Salaf, present the status of the Call to Islaam in Africa, discuss
the problems faced by the Call and the Callers in current times and their
solutions, and provide a refutation of the Sufees.
3. Al Muhaadarah
ad-Difaa’iyyah ‘an-is-Sunnah al Muhammadiyyah [ A Lecture in Defence of the
Sunnah of Muhammad] The source of this book was a lecture he delivered in 1383H
in Sudan in which he refuted the atheist Mahmood Taha.
4.
Haqeeqat-ud-Dimuqratiyyah wa annahaa laisat minal-Islaam [The Reality of
Democracy and a Clarification that it is not from Islaam] The source of this
treatise was a lecture he gave in 1412H.
5. Haqeeqat-ush-Shooraa fil-Islaam
[The reality of Shooraa in Islaam]
6. Al ‘Aqeedat-ul-Islaamiyyah wa
Taareekhuhaa [The Islaamic Creed and its History] An excellent treatise on the
formation of groups that deviated with regards to Creed throughout the history
of Islaam.
7. Nidhaam-ul-Usrah fil Islaam [The Structure of the Muslim
Family] A short treatise which was originally a lecture he gave in Africa.
Many of the lessons and classes the Shaykh would give explaining classical
works on Creed and Jurisprudence were also transcribed and published on the
Internet and in book format. Amongst these works are his explanations of
Tajreed-ut-Tawheed of Al Maqreezee, Thalaathat-ul-Usool of Mohammad bin ‘Abdil
Wahhaab, Shuroot-us-Salaah of Mohammad bin ‘Abdil Wahhaab, Al Usool-us-Sittah of
Mohammad bin ‘Abdil Wahhaab, Al ‘Aqeedat-ut-Tadmuriyyah of Ibn Taimiyyah, Al
Qawaa’id-ul-Muthlaa of Ibn ‘Uthaymeen and more.
His Students:
Many students studied under him to the point
that it is difficult to confirm their amount due to their large number. However,
from the most outstanding of them are:
1.Shaykh Dr. Rabee’ bin Haadee
‘Umayr Al Madkhalee;
2.Shaykh Zayd bin Haadee Al Madkhalee;
3.Shaykh Dr.
‘Alee bin Naasir Al Faqeehee;
4.Shaykh Dr. Mohammad Hamood Al Waa’ilee;
5.The Muhaddith, Shaykh ‘Abdul Qaadir bin Habeebullaah As-Sindee, may Allaah
have mercy on him;
6.Shaykh Dr. Saalih bin Sa’ad As-Suhaymee;
7.Shaykh Dr.
Ibraaheem bin ‘Aamir Ar-Ruhaylee;
8.Shaykh Dr. Bakr bin ‘Abdillaah Abu Zayd;
9.Shaykh Dr. Falaah Isma’eel, teacher in the Islaamic University of Kuwait.
His Salafee Creed:
What proves that the Shaykh was upon a
sound Salafee Creed was the fact that he would teach from the classical books of
Creed from the Pious Predecessors, such as: al Waasitiyyah, al Fataawaa al
Hamawiyyah al Kubraa, at-Tadmuriyyah, Sharh al ‘Aqeedat-ut-Tahaawiyyah of Ibn
‘Abdil ‘Izz, al Eemaan, Thalaathat-ul-Usool, Fat’h-ul-Majeed, Qurratu
‘Uyoon-ul-Muwahhideen, al Usool-us-Sittah, al Waajibaat-ul-mutahattimaat, al
Qawaa’id –ul-Muthlaa and Tajreed-ut-Tawheed of Maqreezee. These lessons were
recorded and are widely available in cassette form. He would explain some books
several times such as Thalaat-ul-Usool.
Some of his Noble Characteristics:
1. His Mixing Little with
People: He, may Allaah have mercy on him, was known to mix little with people
unless it was for good. So as a result, most of his time and his days would be
reserved. His manner of doing this was well known since he would go out from his
home to work in the Islaamic University, then return home, then go to the
Prophet’s Masjid to give classes there after ‘Asr, after Maghrib, after ‘Ishaa
and after Fajr. He would continue to follow this schedule up until he was
bedridden when is illness worsened.
2. His Reserved Tongue: He, may
Allaah have mercy on him, was also reserved in speech. He would not speak ill,
throw blame or backbite others. In fact, he would not allow anyone to back bite
others while in his presence nor would he permit anyone to convey gossip and
people’s defects to him.
If any student of knowledge fell into error, he
would request the tape or the book (containing the error) and would listen or
read it. If it became apparent to him that it was in fact an error, he would
fulfil his requirement of advising that person.
3. His Forgiving Nature
and Forbearance: He would react to those who treated him badly by displaying
forbearance and forgiveness.
Many times people would come up to him on
the street or while in the Prophet’s Masjid and ask for his forgiveness for
speaking bad about him and attacking his honour, and he would say to them: “I
hope Allaah will not cause anyone to enter the Hellfire because of me.”
He would also pardon those who sought to destroy his reputation, saying: “There
is no need for anyone to come to me to seek my forgiveness, for I have already
forgiven everyone.” And he would request those in his gatherings to convey this
from him.
4. His concern and care for his Students: He, may Allaah have
mercy on him, from those who gave special attention to his students, which would
not stop with end of his classes. He would attend their special functions, ask
about their situations, take care of some of their needs, and help them out with
some of their family problems or some of the hardships of life that they
encountered. In general, he would make use of his money, reputation, and time in
order to assist those students of his that were needy.
His Sickness and Death:
During the last part of his life, he
was stricken with a terminal illness to the point that he was bedridden for
almost a year. But he endured it with patience and forbearance.
On a
Wednesday morning, on the 26th of Sha’baan 1416H, his soul returned back to its
Creator. His funeral prayer was held on that day after Dhuhr and he was then
buried in the Baqee’-ul-Gharqad Cemetery in Madeenah. A large group of people
were present at his funeral including amongst them many scholars, judges and
students of knowledge. His death put the ummah at a loss, since they were now
lacking a great hard-working scholar, may Allaah grant him a spacious abode in
Paradise.
Sources of his Biography:
Refer to the biographical account of the Shaykh
written by his student, Mustafaa bin ‘Abdil Qaadir Al Fullaanee on 3/5/1419H as
found in the book: 'The Islaamic Creed and its History' (pg.5-22) with
alterations and additions.
[Taken from the book 'An Explanation of The
Conditions, Pillars and Requirements of Prayer' by Al Ibaanah Publishing.]
