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Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen was one of the most prominent Islamic scholars of the latter half of the twentieth century. Born in Saudi Arabia, the Shaykh memorised the qur'an at an early age and studied under the some of the most knowledgable scholars of the time including: Shaykh Abd ar-Rahman as-Saa'di, Shaykh Muhammad Ash-Shanqeeti, and Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baaz. During his many years of study, he became world renowned for his superior knowledge in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), eventually compiling over fifty books on the subject.
Birth
He was the Shaykh, the faqeeh, the scholar of Najd, Abu Abdullah, Muhammad ibn Saalih ibn Muhammad ibn al-Uthaymeen at-Tamimi an-Najdi. Shaykh Uthaymeen, as he was most known, was born in the city of Unayzah, in the Qaseem Region of Saudi Arabia on 27th Ramadhan 1347 AH (After the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad). 1347 AH corresponds to 1925 in the Gregorian calendar.
may Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala forgive and have mercy on him
Education
He received his education from a number of well known scholars such as: Shaykh Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Saa'di (1307H - 1376H), Shaykh Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqeeti (1325H - 1393H), and Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baaz (1330H - 1420H), along with many more.
Career
When he entered into teaching, a great number of students from inside and outside Saudi Arabia benefited from him. He was known for his own unique style of interpretation and explanation of religious points. He is 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, Shaykh Uthaymeen's Fataawa (i.e, rulings/verdicts) are based on the Manhaj of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jamaa'h which is evidenced from Qur'an and Sunnah. He has about fifty compilations to his credit. Recently, before his death, he was teaching religious Fundamentals at the Sharee'ah Faculty of Imam Muhammad ibn Sa'ud Islamic University, Qaseem Branch. He was also a member of the Senior Scholars Committee of the Kingdom, and was the Imaam and Khateeb of the big Mosque of Unayzah city.
Along with Shaykh Muhammad Nassir ad-Deen al-Albani (d. 1420H) and Shaykh Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz (d. 1420H), Shaykh Muhammad was one of the greatest scholars of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jamaa'h in the early part of the 15th century in the Hijri calendar.
Shaykh Uthaymeen was awarded the King Faisal International Award in the service to Islam on February 8th 1994.
His works
Shaykh 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 the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu alayhi wa salaam):
- 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 righteous companions of the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu alayhi wa salaam.
Character and Death
Shaykh Uthaymeen was famous for his simplicity, modesty, along with exceptional mannerisms towards all those he encountered, as well as his exceptional mannerisms in approach to topics free of dogmatic arguments.
The Shaykh 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. Shaykh Uthaymeen died on Wednesday 15 Shawwal, 1421 AH (10 January 2001 C.E.) at the age of 74. He was buried in Makkah along with his peers among the scholars, including the late Shaykh Abd al-Azeez ibn Baaz (rahimullah).
External links
"Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen"