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.

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.


from: www.fatwa-online.com

Assalamou aleikoum wa Rahmatoullah wa barakatou

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE SHAYKH'S LIFE AND WORK :

Taken from www.al-manhaj.com

His Lineage:

He is Abu 'Abdillaah Muhammad Ibn Saalih Ibn Muhammad Ibn 'Uthaimeen Al-Wuhaibee At-Tameemee


His place of birth:

He was born in the town of 'Unayzah on the 27th day of the blessed month of Ramadaan in 1347H.



His Early Life:

He recited the noble Qur'aan to his maternal grandfather, 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan Ibn Sulaimaan Aali Daamigh (rahimahullaah) and memorized it. Then he directed his attention towards seeking knowledge and so he learned writing, arithmetic and some other subjects. Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan As-Sa'adee (rahimahullaah) used to place two of the students of knowledge that studied with him, in charge of teaching the young students. The first of them was Shaikh 'Alee As-Saalihee and the second was Shaikh Muhammad Ibn 'Abd-il-'Azeez Al-Mutawwa' (rahimahullaah), under whom he (Ibn Al-'Uthaimeen) studied the abridged version of Al-'Aqeedat-ul-Waasitiyyah (of Ibn Taimiyyah) written by Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan As-Sa'adee, Minhaaj-us-Saalikeen fee Al-Fiqh also of Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan, as well as Al-Ajroomiyyah and Al-Alfiyyah. He also studied the laws of inheritance and Fiqh under Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan Ibn 'Alee Ibn 'Awdaan.


Under Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan Ibn Naasir As-Sa'adee (rahimahullaah) - who is considered to be his first teacher since he remained with him for a period of time - he studied the sciences of Tawheed, Tafseer



He also studied under the noble shaikh, 'Abd-ul-'Azeez Bin Baaz, such that he came to be known as his second teacher. With him he began the study of Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, some of the treatises of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah and some books of Fiqh.



His Precedence in Knowledge and his Work in the Field of Da'wah:

In the year 1371H, he began to teach in the congregational mosque. When the educational institutes opened in Riyaad, he signed up with them in 1372H and after two years, he graduated and was appointed as a teacher at the educational institute (ma'ahad al-'Ilmee) in 'Unayzah. In the meantime, he continued his studies affiliated with the College of Sharee'ah as well as his studies under Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan As-Sa'adee (rahimahullaah).



When Shaikh 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan As-Sa'adee passed away, he was given the position of Imaam at the main congregational mosque of 'Unayzah.



Shaikh Ibn Al-'Uthaimeen has a large and active role in the field of da'wah (calling) to Allaah and teaching the Muslims. Thus the people recognize him from the various beneficial classes and impressive sermons he gives on the day of Jumu'ah in the central masjid of 'Unayzah in Qaseem. They know him from the lessons he teaches in Al-Masjid-ul-Haraam during the nights of 'Itikaaf in the month of Ramadaan, every year. He is also known by the firmly composed fataawaa (rulings) he issues to the masses of Muslims from the east and the west during the joyous occasion of Hajj or in the journals and magazines, on the radio broadcast "Light upon the Path" (Noor 'alaa Ad-Darb) and through the letters he exchanges with many students of knowledge and readers. Furthermore, he is known for the rulings he gives with complete and wholesome responses to the questions that are presented to him everyday.



His Books on the Subject of 'Aqeedah:

Shaikh Muhammad Saalih Al-'Uthaimeen has a vast number of valuable books, from which the people gain benefit, on the subjects of 'Aqeedah, Fiqh and its principles, admonition, advice and Da'wah, and a large portion of which are taught by the ministry of education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.



We will mention here, the books that are related to 'Aqeedah:


1. Fath Rabb-il-Barriyyah Bi-Talkhees-il-Hamawiyyah: This is his first book that was ever printed. He completed it on the 8th of Dhul-Qi'adah 1380H. It is printed within a collection of essays on 'Aqeedah by Maktabat-ul-Ma'aarif of Riyaad.


2. Nubadh fee Al-'Aqeedat-il-Islaamiyyah (A Brief article on the Islaamic Creed): In this book, the Shaikh explains the six pillars of Eemaan. It was assigned to the third year of secondary school in the educational institutes for the subject of Tawheed. It was printed in the collection mentioned previously of Maktabat-ul-Ma'aarif of Riyaad.


3. Al-Qawaa'id-ul-Muthlaa fee Sifaatillaahi wa Asmaa'ih-il-Husnaa (Ideal Principles concerning Allaah's Attributes and His Beautiful Names): It is one of the most magnificent works that Shaikh Al-'Uthaimeen has written. We have provided a checking for it, as well as a commentary on the chains of narration, and it has been printed, all praise due to Allaah.


4. Sharh Lum'at-ul-'Itiqaad Al-Haadee Ilaa Sabeel-ir-Rashaad Li-Ibn Qudaamah (An Explanation of "Sufficiency in Creed" - A Guide to the Straight Path - of Ibn Qudaamah): It is this present book, and it was assigned to the first year of the secondary school level of the educational institutes for the subject of Tawheed.


5. 'Aqeedah Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah (The Creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah): He mentions in it a summarized yet comprehensive account of the Creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. The Islamic University of Madeenah printed it.


6. Sharh Al-'Aqeedat-ul-Waasitiyyah Li-Ibn Taimiyyah (An Explanation of the Book "Al-'Aqeedat-ul-Waasitiyyah" of Ibn Taimiyyah): It was assigned to the second year of the secondary school level of the educational institutes for the subject of Tawheed. It is printed and in wide circulation.


7. Tafseer Ayat-ul-Kursee (An Explanation of Ayat-ul-Kursee): This tafseer consists of a magnificent topic on the Names and Attributes of Allaah discussed by the Shaikh. It is printed and in wide circulation.


In addition to this, there are all the fataawaa of the Shaikh regarding 'Aqeedah which have been printed many times over and included in his books on Fataawaa in magazines and in journals.



Author: Ashraf Ibn 'Abdil-Maqsood
Source: From his checking of the Shaikh's book
Translated and Produced by www.Al-Manhaj.Com


Translator's Note: Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-'Uthaimeen passed away on Wednesday, the 15th of Shawaal 1421H (January 10, 2001), when he was 74 years of age. May Allaah have mercy on him.

Assalamou aleikoum wa Rahmatoullah wa Barakatou,

JEWELS OF GUIDANCE

*Please appropriately reference all quotes to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*


“...one of the students of knowledge reminded the Shaykh”

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

“During the Jumu'ah khutbah, the Shaykh mentioned the excellence of reciting Soorah al-Faatihah before sleeping, and encouraged (everyone) to recite it. After the khutbah, one of the students of knowledge reminded the Shaykh, saying:

“O Shaykh, you probably meant the excellence of Aayatul-Kursee”

The Shaykh then realised he had unintentionally made a mistake, so he corrected his mistake immediately before the congregation left, warning them a mistake had been made in the khutbah and that which is correct is reciting Aayatul-Kursee before sleeping.”

al-Jaami’ li-Hayaat al-‘Allaamah Muhammed ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen – Page 43



“So the Shaykh got out and pushed the car himself...”


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

The Shaykh once rode in an old car of a dear friend which happened to break down a lot. So, along the journey, the car broke down and the Shaykh said to the driver:

“Stay where you are, I will get out and push the car”

So the Shaykh got out and pushed the car himself until it started up again.

al-Jaami’ li-Hayaat al-‘Allaamah Muhammed ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen – Page 42



"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

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


"Take the car (back) to the Prince and thank him for his noble gesture..."

Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by his son, ‘Abdullaah ibn Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen:

"Prince ‘Abdul-Ilaah ibn ‘Abdil-‘Azeez Aal Sa’ood, the governor of Qaseem, sent a brand new car as a gift to the Shaykh. When the Shaykh arrived home, he saw the car in front of the house and was informed about it. The car remained outside the house for five days without being used, then the Shaykh said to his son, ‘Abdullaah:

“Take the car (back) to the Prince and thank him for his noble gesture, and inform him that I am not in need of it.”

So the car was returned to the Prince, whilst the Shaykh remained with his cheap, old car, not seeking much importance at the sight of his (cheap and old) vehicle; And (as such) the Shaykh died whilst he was still in possession of that same (cheap and) old car."

al-Jaami’ li-Hayaat al-‘Allaamah Muhammed ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen – Page 23


The Shaykh sewing/mending his own clothes...

Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by one of his students:

"Once, I visited Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen in Makkah in his lodgings during the days of Hajj, and I found him with a needle in his hand sewing his thobe (traditional full-length shirt-type garment)."

Ibn 'Uthaymeen, al-Imaam az-Zaahid - Page 163


"I would like a new riyal"

Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by Shaykh Ahmad al-Qar'aawee:

"Most of the time, before the Shaykh entered the masjid, a little girl of 6 years would approach him asking the Shaykh for a riyal. So, the Shaykh, smiling, would say to her:

"Would you like a (brand) new riyal or an old (used) riyal?"

So she would reply: "I would like a new riyal."

So the Shaykh would give her a new riyal and then she would ask him on behalf of her sister and the Shaykh would give her one (riyal) too."

Safahaat Mushiqah min Hayaat al-Imaam Muhammed ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen - Page 71

*Please appropriately reference all quotes to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!*


What the newspapers had to say... -
http://www.fatwa-online.com/scholarsbiogra...hepaperssay.htm

The following audio file is that of Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen leading the taraaweeh prayers in al-Masjid al-Haraam in Makkah. Shaykh Subayyal, the head imaam of al-Masjid al-Haraam, mentions that Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen led the salaah in al-Masjid al-Haraam 5 times, maa shaa.-Allaah:
Imaam Ibn 'Uthaymeen leading the taraaweeh prayers - RealPlayer audio file

http://www.fatwa-online.com/audio/quraan/0020208.htm

This is a beautiful interview with Shaykh Uthaymeen's wife. There is much benefit to be gained from this interview....may Allaah allow us to be among those who do so...ameen.

Interview with Shaykh Uthaymeen's Wife