Scholar Biographies



One should know that it is important to start with knowledge. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, i.e., they inherit knowledge. Whoever gains knowledge has gained great good fortune, and whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allaah will make easy for him the path to Paradise. Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):

‘It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah’

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

‘but none will understand them except those who have knowledge’

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:43]

‘And they will say: “Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!”’

[al-Mulk 67:10]

With regard to the way to gain knowledge, it is to fear Allaah (taqwa) and to be aware that He is always watching, in secret and in the open. Then one should learn from the scholars whose knowledge and religious commitment can be trusted. If you find a scholar who meets this description, then cling to him and consult him in order to gain knowledge. If you cannot find a scholar, then look for a seeker of knowledge (taalib ‘ilm), and if you cannot find such a person, then you must study by using tapes and books that deal with the basic issues of Islam according to the correct methodology of sharee’ah.

Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih Ibn 'Uthaymeen

Abu 'Abdullaah Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen at-Tameemee an-Najdee was born in the city of Unayzah, Qaseem Region on 27th Ramadhaan 1347 A.H./1926 C.E. in a famous religious family.

He received his education from many prominent scholars like Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa'dee, Shaykh Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqeetee and Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz.

When he entered into teaching, a great number of students from inside and outside Saudi Arabia benefited from him. He had his own unique style of interpretation and explanation of religious points. He was from among those scholars who served Islaam without any type of religious prejudice and kept themselves away from the limitations of blind-following. He was 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.

JEWELS OF GUIDANCE \ Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen \

Do what you have to and I am going to give the lesson...
Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by Muhammad Raabi' Sulaymaan:

"Last year (1420 A.H.), there occurred a memorable incident during the month of Ramadhaan whilst Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen was giving his daily lessons in al-Masjid al-Haraam, Makkah.

The specialist doctors who were supervising the Shaykh's condition advised that the Shaykh's condition necessitated rest that particular evening, rather than giving a lesson after Salaat at-Taraaweeh. The doctors needed to give him a blood transfusion and do some medical checks on him. In response to them, the Shaykh simply said:

"Do what you have to and I am going to give the lesson".

So, while he was giving the lesson, the doctors (around him) were putting a needle into him to initiate the blood transfusion process and complete the medical checkup, checking his temparature, pulse and general health.

Such was the level of importance the Shaykh gave to spreading knowledge and teaching the people, (right) up until the last night of Ramadhaan before his departure from al-Masjid al-Haraam."

Safahaat Mushriqah min Hayaat al-Imaam Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen - Page 24
al-Arbi'aa - date: 29 Shawwaal 1421 A.H.

In giving religious verdicts, like Shaykh ibn Baaz, his Fataawa were based on evidence from the Qur.aan and Sunnah. He had about fifty compilations to his credit. He taught Religious Fundamentals at the Sharee'ah Faculty of Imaam Muhammad ibn Sa'ood Islaamic University, Qaseem Branch. He was also a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of the Kingdom, and the Imaam and Khateeb of the big Mosque of Unayzah city.

The Shaykh passed away on Wednesday 15 Shawwaal 1421 A.H. / 10 January 2001 C.E. He was 74 years of age. May Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta'aala) have Mercy upon his soul, aameen.

"Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen! Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen! Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen!..."
Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated:

"A member of the Da’wah and Guidance Centre in Jeddah narrates that during the hajj of 1416A.H, he was in the company of the Shaykh at King ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Airport in Jeddah surrounded by the pilgrims who were arriving for hajj.

Here, the Shaykh undertook that which was obligatory upon him by giving da’wah to the arriving pilgrims. A large group of Russian pilgrims arrived and the Shaykh wanted to offer some words (of da’wah) to them. So he asked if there was a translator amongst them. Then, the (Russian) guide for the group came forward not knowing this was Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen.

After completing the translation, the guide asked who the Shaykh was. He was told that it was Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. At this, he turned to embrace the Shaykh kissing him (on his forehead) whilst crying. He then grabbed hold of the microphone and addressed all the members of his group that this was Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. At this, tears began falling from the eyes of each and every member of the group, whilst the guide was repeatedly loudly calling out on the microphone “Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen! Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen! Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen!...”

The members of the group then came (forward) and conveyed their greetings to the Shaykh and kissed him (on his forehead).

The guide for the group then turned to the Shaykh and said:

“These are your students. They used to read your books in shelters under the ground during the Communist rule.”

al-Jaami’ li-Hayaat al-‘Allaamah Muhammed ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen – Page 38

Shaykh Uthaymeen's words of Wisdom

He who has knowledge does not become tired in protecting it...
*Please appropriately reference this quote to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*
With reference to the important virtues of knowledge, the Shaykh (rahima-hullaah) mentions:

((That he who has knowledge does not become tired in protecting it.

This is because, if Allaah bestows knowledge upon you, then its place is in the heart and there is no need for containers or keys or the like.

It is protected in the heart and soul, and in time itself it is a protector for you, because it protects you from danger, with Allaah’s permission.

So knowledge protects you, whilst with property, you protect it by placing it in locked up containers, and despite all this, you still remain insecure about it.))

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Kitaabul-'Ilm