1) سماحة الشيخ العلامة عبد العزيز بن باز (ت 1420 هـ ) ـ رحمه الله ـ مفتي المملكة السعودية ، ورئيس الجامعة الإسلامية ، ورئيس اللجنة الدائمة للبحوث العلمية والإرشاد ، ورئيس المجمع الفقهي بمكة المكرمة سابقًا . وقد تتلمذ الشيخ ـ حفظه الله ـ على يديه في الفترة من (1402-1405هـ) بالمسجد الكبير بالرياض ، وكان سماحة الشيخ ابن باز يدرس بعد صلاة الفجر سبع كتب مختلفة كفتح الباري ـ صحيح مسلم ـ العقيدة الطحاوية ـ تفسير ابن كثير ـ فتح المجيد .. وكانت تربط الشيخ بالعلامة ابن باز علاقة حميمة ، وظلت هكذا حتى توفي الشيخ ابن باز عام 1420هـ
2) فضيلة الشيخ العلامة محمد بن صالح العثيمين ـ رحمه الله ـ الأستاذ بجامعة محمد بن سعود بالقصيم ، وعضو هيئة كبار العلماء بالمملكة السعودية تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه في عام 1410هـ لمدة ستة أشهر ، كان الشيخ ابن عثيمين يشرح خلالها كتاب زاد المستقنع في الفقه الحنبلي . ( وهو الشرح الذي خرج بعد ذلك في عدة مجلدات تحت اسم الشرح الممتع على زاد المستقنع ) , وللشيخ لقاء خاص مسجل على شريط كاسيت مع شيخه يستضيفه في مجموعة من الأسئلة .
3) فضيلة الشيخ عبد الله بن قعود ـ حفظه الله ـ عضو هيئة كبار العلماء واللجنة الدائمة للبحوث العلمية والإرشاد بالمملكة السعودية . وكان الشيخ محمد ـ حفظه الله ـ يواظب على حضور خطبة الجمعة عند فضيلة الشيخ ابن قعود في مسجده ، وزاره عدة مرات في بيته ، واستفاد منه كثيرًا ، فقد كان الشيخ محمد يستشيره ويأخذ بنصائحه الثمينة , ويعتبر الشيخ ابن قعود صاحب مؤشر التربية الإيمانية والخبرة العميقة في التعامل مع الناس في حياة الشيخ محمد .
4) فضيلة الشيخ عبد الله بن غديان ـ حفظه الله ـ الأستاذ بكلية الشريعة ورئيس محكمة الخبر وعضو هيئة كبار العلماء واللجنة الدائمة للبحوث العلمية والإرشاد بالمملكة السعودية . تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه ، وسمع جزءًا كبيرًا من كتاب القواعد لابن رجب الحنبلي حين كان الشيخ يدرسه في الرياض يوميًا بعد صلاة العشاء عام 1411 هـ .
5) فضيلة الشيخ عبد الله بن عبد الرحمن الجبرين ـ حفظه الله ـ عضو لجنة الإفتاء السابق بالمملكة السعودية . تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه عام 1410هـ لمدة ستة أشهر كان الشيخ ابن جبرين ـ حفظه الله ـ يدرس فيها كتابي فتح المجيد ، وزاد المستقنع .
6) فضيلة الشيخ محمد المختار الشنقيطي ـ حفظه الله ـ الفقيه الأصولي العلم ذي المواعظ القيمة والدروس النافعة نزيل المدينة المنورة ، والمدرس بالمسجد النبوي الشريف . زاره الشيخ في بيته ، ودرس على يديه جزءًا من كتاب عمدة الأحكام في الفقه الحنبلي , وكان يدرسه بعد صلاة الفجر في بيته .
7) فضيلة الشيخ عبد الله بن محمد الأمين الشنقيطي ـ حفظه الله ـ رئيس قسم التفسير بالجامعة الإسلامية بالمدينة المنورة . رافقه الشيخ محمد لمدة أسبوع في إحدى الرحلات ، وقال عنه : استفدت منه كثيرًا لاسيما سلامة الصدر لجميع المسلمين .
8) فضيلة الشيخ عطية سالم ـ رحمه الله ـ العالم الرباني ، وأبرز تلاميذ العلامة القرآني الشيخ / محمد الأمين الشنقيطي ، وهو الذي أتمَّ كتابه أضواء البيان ، وكان معروفًا بعلمه وفقهه ، حتى توفي 1420 هـ تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه وسمع منه شرحه على الورقات في أصول الفقه .
9) فضيلة الشيخ أبو بكر الجزائري ـ حفظه الله ـ العالم الرباني والمدرس بالمسجد النبوي الشريف صاحب الكتب المفيدة كمنهاج المسلم وعقيدة المؤمن وغيرهما من كتبه الماتعة . حضر له الشيخ عدة مجالس في التفسير بالمسجد النبوي الشريف ، وتربطه علاقة حميمة بالشيخ أبي بكر ـ حفظه الله ـ إلى وقتنا الحالي ، وهذا يظهر من الكلمات العاطرة التي كتبها الشيخ أبو بكر في مقدمة كتاب " إلى الهدى ائتنا " للشيخ محمد فهو يقول عنه : المحب الفاضل العلامة المصلح الشيخ / محمد حسين يعقوب , ومقدمة أخرى لكتاب منطلقات طالب العلم فيها توقير للشيخ واحتفاء زائد بهذا الكتاب .
10) فضيلة الشيخ عبد القادر شيبة الحمد ـ حفظه الله ـ تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه وسمع منه دروسه في التفسير في مسجد الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم .
11) فضيلة الشيخ أسامة محمد عبد العظيم الشافعي المصري ـ حفظه الله ـ العالم الرباني القدوة عابد الزمان ، الأستاذ ورئيس قسم أصول الفقه بجامعة الأزهر الشريف وهو أكثر من تأثر بهم الشيخ محمد ، لاسيما في الاتجاه نحو التربية والتزكية ، وقد تتلمذ الشيخ على يديه ، وسمع منه محاضراته المتفرقة في شرح كتب ابن القيم وابن الجوزي ـ رحمهما الله ـ . يقول عنه الشيخ محمد : لما رجعت من المملكة السعودية حُكي لي عنه فذهبت إليه فأعجبني سمته منذ اللحظة الأولى إذ وجدت قدميه متورمتين من القيام ، وعليه سمت الصالحين فلزمته وهو شيخي حقًا تعلمت من سمته ولفظه ولحظه "حفظه الله " .
12) فضيلة الشيخ رجائي المصري المكي ـ رحمه الله ـ سمع منه كثيرًا من شرح السنة للبغوي بمسجد طلاب الفقه بالقاهرة , وكانت بينهما علاقة خاصة حتى مات الشيخ 1425 هـ .
13) فضيلة الشيخ / عبد المحسن العباد ـ حفظه الله ـ لقيه الشيخ محمد بالمدينة المنورة ، وزاره في بيته ، وأهدى له الشيخ العباد مجموعة كتبه .
14) وقد التقى الشيخ ـ حفظه الله ـ بفضيلة الشيخ / مقبل بن هادي الوادعي ـ حفظه الله ـ بالجامعة الإسلامية بالمدينة .
15) ورأى الشيخ / محمد ناصر الدين الألباني ـ رحمه الله ـ في موسم للحج واتصل به هاتفيًا مرتين .
16) وجمعه لقاءان بالأستاذ الدكتور / علي مرعي عميد كلية الشريعة والقانون بجامعة الأزهر الشريف .
17) الشيخ عبد القادر الأرناءوط لقيه الشيخ في مكة خمس لقاءات متوالية استمع منه الحديث وقرأ عليه واستفاد منه ووعده الشيخ بزيارة للحصول على إجازة منه في سوريا ولم يتيسر الأمر حتى الآن وإن كان الشيخان مازالا على اتصال .
وتجمع الشيخ بشيوخ ودعاة العصر بمصر علاقة ود ومحبة ، لذلك تجد الشيخ محمد دائم التذكير بهم في محاضراته ، وتراه لا يلقب أحدًا منهم إلا بقوله " شيخنا" ومن هؤلاء :
• فضيلة الشيخ محمد صفوت نور الدين رئيس جماعة أنصار السنة المحمدية , وبينهما علاقة حميمة حتى مات الشيخ عليه رحمة الله وقد كانت بينهما صحبة في آخر سفرة قبل موت الشيخ أقام فيها الشيخان في غرفة واحدة لمدة أسبوع وكان الشيخ محمد قد بدأ في هذه الفترة مشروعه الكبير " أصول الفقه التربوي " , واطلع الشيخ صفوت رحمه الله على بعض الأوراق في بداية مشروع الكتاب فأعجب به وكتب له مقدمة ماتعة مازال الشيخ يحتفظ بها لحين صدور الكتاب .
• وفضيلة الشيخ محمد بن إسماعيل المقدم , والشيخ أحمد فريد و الشيخ ياسر برهامي والشيخ سعيد عبد العظيم ومشايخ الدعوة بالأسكندرية عمومًا.
• وفضيلة الشيخ أبي إسحق الحويني , والشيخ وحيد بالي .
• وفضيلة الشيخ محمد حسان والشيخ مصطفى العدوي .
• وفضيلة الشيخ أبي ذر القلموني ـ
حفظهم الله جميعًا . وكل دعاة مصر والعالم بلا استثناء يجمع الشيخ بهم علاقة ود ومحبة خالصة وزيارات متبادلة .
Birth and Family
The Sheikh’s name is Abu ‘Alala’ Muhammad ibn Hussain ibn Yaqub,
Al-Salafi. He was born in 1375 A.H. (1956 C.E.) in the Matimdiyah area of
Imbaba, in the governorate of Giza in Egypt.
His father (may Allah have mercy upon him) was a righteous
Muslim (we consider him as such, but
we do not honor anyone
more than we do Allah).
He was one of the founders of The Matimdiyah Islamic Association for Muslims to
Unite Efforts to Act according to the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah.
He was a Da’iyah (Caller) to Islam, and followed the Sunnah throughout his life
He was courteous, kindhearted, loved by the people of his hometown, and
endeavored to achieve conciliation as much as he could. He established a society
to reconcile disputants, helped by his maternal uncle, Sheikh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz
Al-Says. He continued to give the Friday Khutbah (sermon) in the different the
governorates of Egypt for fifty years, never missing a single Friday (may Allah
have mercy upon him). He also went to masjids giving daily religious classes. He
gave a regular class in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at the Jama’iyyah Shari’ah
Masjid in Matimdiyah and another class giving general advice and reminders,
until he passed away on 20 Sha’ban, 1420 A.H.
Sheikh Yaqub (may Allah protect him) is the oldest of four brothers and
has one older sister.
He obtained a Teaching Diploma in 1967 and married before he was twenty
years of age, he then traveled to Saudi Arabia from 1401 to 1495 A.H. This
period was the time when the Sheikh truly started seeking Islamic knowledge.
Sheikh Yaqub came back to Egypt, although he returned to Saudi Arabia
every now and again while he was working to seek further knowledge. His last
trip to Saudi Arabia to seek knowledge was in 1411 A.H., when he spent a year
traveling between Riyadh and Qusaym.
Sheikh Yaqub memorized the whole Qur’an at an early age in the local
Kutaab (a traditional religious class), under Sheikh Mahmoud Tulbah initially
then later under Sheikh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Al-Fayyumi. He then worked in the
Information Center for the Prophet’s Sunnah, which was one of the first centers
that started putting the Prophet’s Hadith onto computers. This time gave the
Sheikh chance to read the volumes of recorded Sunnah, especially the Six Books
of the Sunnah, which increased his religious knowledge. He participated in the
entering of the data from thirty-six books of the Sunnah onto computers; not
just entering the data, but also numbering the Hadith from “Sahih Muslim” and
“Musnad Ahmed”. He also checked all the Hadith in these books for accuracy and
classification.
From the beginning Sheikh Yaqub paid special attention to books of
scholars such as Ibn Al-Jawzi, the Sheikh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his pupil
Ibn Al-Qayyim, Al-Dahabi, and others. It is for this reason that you will find
him recommending the books of all those scholars, particularly “Sayd Al-Khatir”
and “Al-Tabsirah” by Ibn Al-Jawzi, and “Madarij As-Salikin” and “Tariq
Al-Hijratayn” by Ibn Al-Qayyim, and “Sayr A’lam Al-Nubala’” by Al-Dhabi. It is
said that these books should be available in the home of every seeker of Islamic
knowledge.
Certifications
1)
Sheikh Yaqub (may Allah protect him) gained an
Islamic Ijazah (certificate of authorization) in the Six Books of the Sunnah
from Sheikh Hassan Abu Al-Ashbal Al-Zuhayri (may Allah protect him).
2)
Another certificate, also in the Six Books of the
Sunnah, from Sheikh Muhammad Abu Khubzah Al-Tattwani. Sheikh Yaqub traveled to
study under him in his hometown of Tetouan in Morocco.
3)
A third certificate in the Qur’an and the Six
Books of Sunnah from Sheikh Abu Khalid Al-Wakil Al-Makki.
His Sheikhs
1)
His Eminence Sheikh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ibn Baz (d. 1420
A.H., may Allah have mercy upon him) was Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the
Islamic University of Madinah, Chairman of the Department for Scientific
Research and Guidance, and President of the Permanent Committee for Islamic
Research and Fatawa
(Islamic Rulings). Sheikh
Yaqub studied under him from 1402 to 1405 A.H. in the main masjid in Riyadh.
Sheikh Ibn Baz taught seven different books there after the Fajr (Morning)
prayer: “Fath Al-Bari”, “Sahih Muslim”, “Aqeedah Al-Tahwiyyah”, “Tafsir Ibn
Kathir”, and “Fath Al-Majid”. There was a close relationship between them that
lasted until Sheikh ibn Baz passed away in 1420 A.H.
2)
The great scholar Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih
‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy upon him) was a professor at the University of
Muhammad ibn Sa’ud in Al-Qusaym and a member of the Council of Senior Scholars
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was Sheikh Yaqub’s teacher for six months in
1410 A.H., and during that time Sheikh Ibn ‘Uthaymin explained the book “Zad
Al-Mustiqna’” in Hanbali Fiqh. (This is the explanation that was published later
in several volumes, under the name of “Al-Sharh Al-Mumti’a ala Zad
Al-Mustiqna’”). A private meeting that was held between the two sheikhs was
recorded on a cassette, during the meeting Sheikh Yaqub asked Sheikh Ibn
‘Uthaymin some questions.
3)
Sheikh ‘Abdallah ibn Qa’ud (may Allah protect
him) is a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee
for Islamic Research and Fatawa in Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Yaqub regularly attended
Sheikh Ibn Qa’ud’s Friday Khutbah (sermon) in his mosque and visited him many
times in his home, benefiting from him greatly. Sheikh Yaqub used to consult him
and gain valuable advice from him. Sheikh Ibn Qa’ud is considered to be one of
the greatest teachers of Iman (Faith) during the lifetime of Sheikh Yaqub, and
has great expertise in dealing with people.
4)
Sheikh ‘Abdallah ibn
Ghudayyan
(may Allah protect him), was a professor in the Faculty of Shari’ah, Head of the
Court of Al-Khobar, and is a member of the Permanent Committee for Islamic
Research and Fatawa in Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Yaqub was one of his students, and
learned a large part of “Al-Qawa’id” by Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali from him when
Sheikh Ghudayyan
was teaching this book daily in Riyadh after the Isha’ (Night) prayer in 1411
A.H.
5)
Sheikh ‘Abdallah ibn ‘Abdul Rahman Al-Jibrin (may
Allah protect him) was a former member of the Fatwa Committee in Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Yaqub studied under him in 1410 A.H. for six months, when Sheikh
Al-Jibrin (may Allah protect him) was teaching the books “Fath Al-Majid” and
“Zad Al-Mustinqa’”.
6)
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al-Shanqiti (may
Allah protect him) was a scholar in Usul Al-Fiqh (the fundamentals of Islamic
jurisprudence) who gave valuable talks and beneficial lessons He was a resident
of Madinah Al-Muawwarah and a teacher in the Prophet’s Masjid. Sheikh Yaqub
visited him at home and studied part of “’Umdat Al-Ahkam” in Hanbali Fiqh under
him when he used to teach it in his house after the Fajr prayer.
7)
The Honorable Sheikh ‘Abdallah ibn Muhammad
Al-Amin Al-Shanqiti (may Allah protect him), Head of the Tafsir (Exegesis of the
Qur’an) Department in the Islamic University of Madinah. Sheikh Yaqub
accompanied him on one of his trips for a week, and said of him: “I benefited
from him greatly, especially from his kind-heartedness towards all Muslims.”
8)
The Honorable Sheikh ‘Atiyah Salim (may Allah
have mercy upon him), an Islamic scholar and one of the most brilliant pupils of
the Qur’anic scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Amin Al-Shanqiti. He was the one who
finished his book “Al-Dawa’ Al-Bayan” and he was known for his knowledge and his
Fiqh, until he died in 1420 A.H. Sheikh Yaqub studied under him and heard his
explanation of “Al-Waraqat fi Usul Al-Fiqh”.
9)
The Honorable Sheikh Abu Bakr Al-Jaza’iri (may
Allah protect him), an Islamic scholar and a teacher in the Prophet’s Masjid,
author of beneficial books such as “Minhaj Al-Muslim”, “Aqeedat Al-Mu’min”, and
other enjoyable books. Sheikh Yaqub attended many of his Tafsir sessions in the
Prophet’s Masjid, and still has a close relationship with Sheikh Abu Bakr (may
Allah protect him) up until now. This is apparent from the beautiful words
Sheikh Abu Bakr wrote as an introduction to Sheikh Yaqub’s book “Ila Al-Huda
I’tina”. He wrote: “The beloved, respected pious scholar, Sheikh Muhammad
Hussain Yaqub”, and he wrote another introduction to his book “Muntaliqat Talib
Al-‘Ilm”, where he honored the Sheikh and celebrated the book.
10)
The
Honorable Sheikh ‘Abd Al-Qadir Shaybat Al-Hamad (may Allah protect him). Sheikh
Yaqub studied under him and heard his lessons in Tafsir in the Prophet’s Masjid.
11)
The
Honorable Sheikh ‘Usamah Muhammad ‘Abd Al-‘Athim, Al-Shafi’i, from Egypt (may
Allah protect him), the exemplary Islamic scholar and worshipper of this age,
and professor and President of the Faculty of Usul Al-Fiqh at Al-Azhar
University. He was the greatest influence on Sheikh Yaqub, especially in shaping
his religious character and in Tazkiyyah (purification of the soul). The Sheikh
was his student and attended many of his lectures when he was explaining the
books of Ibn Al-Qayyim and Ibn Al-Jawzi (may Allah have mercy upon them). Sheikh
Yaqub said about him: “When I returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia I was
told about him, so I went to see him and his character impressed me from the
first moment. I saw that his feet were swollen from praying at night and his
appearance was that of a righteous man, so I stayed with him, and he is my real
sheikh, I learned from his character, his words, and his wisdom (may Allah
protect him).”
12)
The
Honorable Sheikh Raja’i Al-Masri Al-Makki (may Allah have mercy upon him).
Sheikh Yaqub heard a great deal of his explanation of the Sunnah from the books
of Imam Al-Baghawi in the Talab Al-Fiqh Masjid in Cairo. Sheikh Yaqub and Sheikh
Raja’i had a special relationship until Sheikh Raja’i died in 1425 A.H.
13)
The
Honorable Sheikh ‘Abd Al-Muhsin Al-Aba’d (may Allah protect him). Sheikh Yaqub
met him in Madinah and visited him at home. Sheikh Aba’d gave him a collection
of his books.
14)
Sheikh Yaqub (may Allah protect him) met the Honorable Sheikh Muqbil ibn Hadi
Al-Wadi’i (may Allah protect him) at the Islamic University of Madinah.
15)
He
saw Sheikh Muhammad Nasr Al-Din Al-Albani (may Allah have mercy upon him) during
the Hajj season and called him on his cell phone twice.
16)
He
sat with Professor Dr. Ali Mari’i, Dean of the Faculty of Shari’ah and Law at
Al-Azhar University twice.
17)
Sheikh Yaqub met Sheikh ‘Abd Al-Qadr Al-Arna’ut in Makkah on five successive
occasions, when he heard Hadith from him and read the Qur’an to him. Sheikh
Yaqub benefited from him and promised to visit him in Syria to get an ‘Ijazah
from him, but due to circumstances it has never happened, but sheikhs have kept
in touch with each other.
Sheikh Yaqub had an affectionate and warm relationship with
other contemporary sheikhs and Da’iyah in Egypt, and this is why Sheikh Yaqub
always mentions them in his lectures, referring them as: “Shuyukhuna” (Our
sheikhs). These sheikhs include:
·
The Honorable Sheikh Muhammad Safwat Nur Al-Din,
President of the Ansar As-Sunnah Al-Muhammadiyyah. They had a close relationship
until he passed away (may Allah have mercy on him). The last time they were
together was during the Sheikh’s last trip before he died, when they shared a
room for a week. It was during this time that Sheikh Yaqub started his biggest
project, writing his book “Usul Al-Fiqh Al-Tarbawiyyah”. Sheikh Safwat saw some
of the pages of the book, at the beginning of the project, and was very
impressed by them, so much so that he wrote an introduction to the book. Sheikh
Yaqub kept it until he had completed the book.
·
The Honorable Sheikh Muhammad ibn Isma’il
Al-Muqadim, Sheikh Ahmad Farid, Sheikh Yassir Burhami, Sheikh Sa’id ‘Abd
Al-‘Athim, and all the sheikhs of Da’wah in Alexandria generally.
·
The Honorable Sheikh Abu Ishaq Al-Huwayni and the
Honorable Sheikh Wahid Bali.
·
The Honorable Sheikh Muhammad Hassan and Sheikh
Mustafa Al-‘Adawi
·
The Honorable Sheikh Abu Dhar Al-Qalamuni.
May Allah protect them all.
Sheikh Yaqub and the other
sheikhs and Da’iyah in Egypt and throughout the world have warm and sincere
relationships for the sake of Allah and exchange visits with each other often.
Manhaj (Methodology of
following and implementing Islam)
After he had consolidated his study of the Shari’ah, firstly with the
help of Allah and then from his contacts with the Islamic scholars and studying
under them, Sheikh Yaqub began his Da’wah (Calling) to Islam and developed his
educational methodology. He believes that the Islamic Ummah will not become
righteous, unless children are raised on the methodology of the Pious
Predecessors, the Salaf, according to the words of Allah: “Indeed, Allah will
not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
(Surah Al-Ra’d, 13:11) He says that one of the reasons for the retrogression
that the Muslims are suffering from at this time is their distance from the
correct educational Manhaj and lack of purification. These he says were the main
pillars of the Prophet’s Da’wah. Allah says: “It is He who has sent among the
unlettered people a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and
purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom - although they were before
in clear error.” (Surah Al-Juma`h, 62:2)
Sheikh Yaqub returned from Saudi Arabia in 1405 A.H., after studying
Fiqh, which he is fond of. When he arrived in his hometown of Al-Matimdiyah, he
began his Da’wah activities by renovating the old masjid there, the Jama’iyyah
Shari’ah of Matimdiyah Masjid, and turned it into a nursery, and an elementary
and middle school. The school is still open today and conducting its activities.
Sheikh Yaqub began teaching a full curriculum to the young people in
the masjid, which consisted of:
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The book “Subl Al–Salam”
and then “Nayl Al–Awtar” in two levels.
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The book “Fath Al–Majid”
and then “Al-Aqeedah Al–Tahawiyyah” in two levels.
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The book “Tazkiyat
Al–Nafus” by Sheikh Ahmad Farid and then “Mukhtasar Minhaj Al–Qasidin” in
two levels.
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The book “Al-Usul min
‘Ilm Al–Usul” by Sheikh ‘Uthaymin and then “Al-Waraqat” in two levels.
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The book “Tayseer
Mustalah Al–Hadith” and then “Mukhtasar Ulum Al–Hadith” in two levels.
He continued with this stage for five years until he traveled back
again to Saudi Arabia and stayed there for one year. Allah blessed him with
skills in preaching, reminding people of their religion, and diligence in
educating and assisting people to purify themselves. He therefore began to
utilize the skills he had been endowed with, and taught the book “Subl Al–Salam”
three times and “Al–Tahawiyyah” four times.
Sheikh ‘Usamah Muhammad ‘Abd Al-‘Athim (may Allah protect him) had the
greatest influence on Sheikh Yaqub in building this educational curriculum, as
the Sheikh studied under Sheikh ‘Usamah for many years. It was during this time
that he derived the principles of education from the books of imams such as Ibn
Al-Qayyim Al–Jawziyyah, Ibn Al–Jawzi, and others.
Sheikh Yaqub (may Allah protect him) then began to simplify this Manhaj
to teach it to the general public. He also teaches contemporary Fiqh, and tries
to help people resolve serious problems related to their faith that they are
facing in their daily lives. He concentrates his Da’wah on training people’s
hearts and purifying their souls, and teaching them how to get onto the path to
get them closer to Allah, the Exalted. He helps them to understand Allah’s
divine laws in His creation, and how they should worship their Lord.
Academic Writings and
Efforts
1)
“How do I Repent?”: A group of lectures that the
Sheikh (may Allah protect him) gave on repentance while he was explaining the
book “Madarij Al–Salikin” by Ibn Al-Qayyim. This was the Sheikh’s first book.
2)
“Nasa’ih lil-Shabab Tahtheeb Ghatha’ Al-Albab
Lisafareni”: This book explains a group of topics that include acts of Sunnah
and manners that have been abandoned nowadays.
3)
“Ila Al-Huda I’tinah”: A collection of lectures
explaining the remedy for the current lassitude in obedience to Allah. Sheikh
Yaqub discusses twenty reasons for this and follows each reason with its remedy.
4)
“The Brotherhood, O Brothers!”: Sheikh Yaqub
talks about love for the sake of Allah, its importance these days, and how we
can reach this great level.
5)
“The Qualities of a Righteous Sister”: The Sheikh
gathered all the qualities that a Muslim woman should possess, and then
explained these characteristics so they could be documented in an important
book.
6)
“The Sure Remedy for Discarding the Secret
Habit”: In this paper the Sheikh talked about the dangers of masturbation, the
Shari’ah ruling on it, and how to overcome it. This is a part of a larger book:
“Confronting Desire”, and Allah has now enabled this book to be available.
7)
“The War against Smoking”: A paper explaining the
dangers and harms of smoking and how to stop smoking.
8)
“To Those who Abandoned the Prayer!”: This is a
message to all those who have abandoned the prayer, whispering into their ears
asking, “Why don’t you pray?” It details the desires and tricks that Satan goads
people with to pull them away from the prayer and make them turn away from the
path of Allah. It explains the great power of prayer and what Allah has in store
for those who pray regularly. These lessons were given in the 1990s.
9)
”Seriously Devoted”: The Sheikh discusses the
reality of the devoted brothers these days. The book is part of an educational
project entitled: “A Series of Papers on Serious Education”
10)
“From
Inside the Grave”: This discusses the six punishments of the grave. A quote
from this book is: “Come with us to visit the now silent adviser. Let’s stand in
front of him for a while and try to understand what he keeps on saying, so we
might learn from him.”
11)
“Khutbah”: These were issued in two parts; the first part consists of ten
khutbah and the second part consists of six.
12)
“The
Basics for a Student of Knowledge”: This book looks at the condition of students
of knowledge in modern times, discussing ten basic points considered to be the
provisions for every seeker of knowledge: Sincerity, Determination, Purity,
Al-Salafiyyah, Understanding of the Salaf, What to learn, Who to gain knowledge
from, Manners, How to develop the ability to understand, and Where a Seeker of
Knowledge should begin. This is the last constituent in the methodology of
gaining knowledge in education and purification. The methodology is about
obtaining knowledge and filtering out a group of the most important works in
each area.
13)
“Diseases of the Ummah”: A paper describing the trials that the Muslim Ummah
(nation) is suffering in our time, e.g. the absence of the influence of Aqeedah,
the dominance of emotions in everyday life, and the following of inclinations
and desires. It also discusses how to cure these diseases.
14)
“Basics of Getting Closer to Allah”: A book that discusses the foundations and
rules that cannot be dispensed with by anyone who is on the path to Allah.
15)
“A
Story of Steadfastness and Dispensing with the Residue of Jahiliyah”: This book
discusses a very important and beneficial topic. It asks questions such as: Do
you think that being righteous just means taking off the clothes of the
disbelievers and wearing clothes that are in conformity with the Shari’ah? Do
you think that being righteous is following some of the laws of Islam and
neglecting others? Can you for example pray, fast, or perform Hajj, but not seek
knowledge, do anything in the field of Da’wah, get up to pray at night, fast the
supererogatory fasts, maintain ties with your family members, help those in
need, or change your previous attitudes and remain as you were, lazy, rude, bad
tempered, or selfish? The Sheikh swears by Allah that the Muslims will never
achieve honor as long as they have such characteristics gnawing away at them and
they will never see victory while these residues are in their hearts.
16)
“The
Loved One’s Secrets in Ramadan”: A 400 page book that consists of the most
beautiful words that the Sheikh ever spoke in his life about the month Ramadan.
17)
“The
Knowledge of the Heart”: This will be published soon, if Allah so wills.
18)
A
collection of books called, “Ibn Al-Islam (Son of Islam)”: A complete curriculum
in Shari’ah for beginners. Volume 1 - Memorizing the Qur’an, 2 - Tafsir of the
Qur’an, 3 - Aqeedah, 4 - Fiqh, 5 - Stories of the Prophets, 6 - Biography of the
Prophet, 7 - Hadith, 8 - Al-Adhkar (Remembrances of Allah), 9 - Manners, 10 -
Qur’anic Stories.
19)
“Certainty that Allah sent this Truthful Prophet” This book discusses the
success of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Books currently being
published:
“The Path of the Two Migrations”, “Confronting Desires”, “The Making of
Men”, “The Punishments of the Grave”, “Crying in Reverence of Allah”, subsequent
Khutbah, and many more to come, if Allah so wills.
Efforts in Da’wah
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The Sheikh explained Ibn
Al–Qayyim’s book: “Madarij Al-Salikin” twice; once from 1985 to 1995 and the
second time from 1995 to 2005. He is now beginning to explain it for the
third time (may Allah make it easy for him). This explanation is available
in both audio and video on the website, with the blessing of Allah.
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A collection of long
sessions entitled, “Usul Al-Fiqh Al–Da’wah”.
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An explanation of the
book, “Jama’ Al-Ulum wa Al-Hikam” by Ibn Rajab and the book, “Sayd
Al-Khatir” by Ibn Al–Jawzi.
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A new explanation of the
book, “Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah” and “Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin”.
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An explanation of “How to
Live in Ramadan” on audio and video in twenty-six episodes, which is
available on the website, all praise be to Allah.
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Over 3,000 of the
Sheikh’s lessons have been recorded on cassette and many of them are on CD
and video.
The Sheikh’s Travels
The Sheikh has traveled to all the Arab countries, without exception,
and also to many European and western countries.
The Sheikh attended the first Salafi conference in Sweden and many
conferences in America, Spain, and other countries.
