Shaykh 'Abdus-Salaam Ibn Barjass: A Biography

2. Existence is a Seaand the 'ulama are its Pearls A short biography of Shaykh 'Abdus-Salaam Ibn Barjass (rahimahullaah)

3. If trust in the scholars is neglected, then to whom will the Muslims refer to in a condition of difficulty and to explain the rules of the shariah?

4. Introduction All praise is for Allah, Lord of the Worlds, who ordered us to follow His Messenger  and to call us to His Way, and may Allaah send praises and blessings of peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family, his companions, and those who truly follow them until the Day of Judgement. To proceed: As salaamu alaykum wa rahmatulah, While listening in on the Understanding Islam room with Dr. Saleh as Saleh a few months back, there was some discussion on transcribing some audios for a future project. The subject matter would be on “The Correct Creed” by Al Shaykh ‘Abdul Salaam bin Barjas Al ‘Abdul Kareem. I remembered reading about his death a few years back and realized I truly did not know anything about him. While listening to the audios by Dr. Saleh, I was truly benefitting from this book, and wanted to share with you this halaqah on the shaykh, so that you too can be encouraged to listen or read on the beneficial works that he left behind. May they be a means of entry into Al Jannah for him, amin.

5. His Youth & Upbringing Whenever you hear about the upbringing of the people of ilm, their households where those of religious upbringing and righteousness, as it was for this man Abu ‘Abdul Rahmaan ‘Abdul Salaam bin Barjass bin Naasir ‘aal ‘Abdul Kareem, born 1387 A.H. His family was known in the city of Majma’a, which is 93.2 miles NW of Riyadh, and he was raised by two parents whose lineage goes back to Bani Tamim (Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab also comes from a branch of this tribe)

6. As a young man his character was one of seriousness, firmness and he had a sound intellect. With this he memorized the Book of Allaah and began to seek ilm at the age of 13. His teachers recognized his capacity to learn and where very attentive to his religious instruction.

7. Education • After elementary education, attended Al Mahad Al ‘Ilmi (Institute of Learning Islaamic Shari’ah) which is has ties with Imaam Muhammad bin Saud University. • Graduated from College of Shari’ah in 1410 A.H. • Completed Master’s degree from the The Higher Institute of Justice. His thesis was titled “Verification of Covenance in the Islaamic Fiqh.” • Finalized PhD degree in 1422 A.H.

8. His teachers where many and from them where: • Al ‘Allaamah Al Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz bin Baz • Shaykh Al’ Allaamah Muhammad bin Saalih al Uthaymeen • Al Shaykh Saleh bin Abdul Rahman bin Athram • Al Shaykh Abdullah bin ‘Abdul Rahman bin Jibreen • Al Shaykh Al Muhaddith ‘Abdullah bin Muhammad ad Duish • Al Shaykh Saleh bin Ibrahim Niblayhi • Abdul Tar Abdul Muhsin bin Muhammad Al Munif • Al Shaykh Al Faqeeh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman bin Al Bayam

9. Books he studied from & with whom • In the classes of Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz bin Baz (rahimahullaah) focus was on the tafsir of Ibn Kathir and the explanation of Bulugh Al Maraam by Al Haafidh ibn Hajar • Under Shaykh Uthaymeen he read the books of Tawheed and Al Aqeedah Waasitiyyah of Shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah. Also the chapters on worship from the book Zaad Al Mustaqna, and half ofSaheeh Al Bukhari. Arabic grammar from Al Ajroomiyyah and Qawaid ibn Rajab & the Foundations of Ibn Rajab. He studied under the Shaykh from 1401-1403 • From Al Shaykh Abdullah bin ‘Abdul Rahmaan bin Jibreen, he studied Kitab at Tawheed by ibn Khuzaymah & a very important book, which is called Ma’aarijul Qubool by Al Shaykh Al Hakami (rahimahullaah) • With Shaykh ‘Abdullah bin Muhammad ad Duish he learned some parts of Sunaan Abi Dawud and also Al Fiyyatul el Iraaqi and this was in the year 1409

10. He was known as a very proficient writer, and in addition to the books he wrote (of which some titles follow) he also was quite adept at poetry and if his poems where gathered they could compile a volume. He was also excellent at memorizing poetry as he memorized about one thousand lines of the classical poems of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim in the creed which is known as an-Nooniyyah with its explanation by ibn ‘Isa.

11. Al Mu’taqidatus Sahih, The Correct Creed The Command of Being Part of the Muslim Jama’ah and Warning Against Deviation The Legal and Illegal Ways of Tawwasul Rulings Concerning Salaam Hindrances and Barriers in the Path of Seeking Knowledge Treatment of Rulers in Light of the Book and Sunnah The Clear Saying Concerning Those Who Mock the Believers The Strong Proof that the Means of Da’wah are Restricted, Restrained The Command of Being Part of the Muslim Jama’ah and Warning Against Deviation And many other treatises The Shaykh has written many books, some are noted below. His road toward writing books of benefit began before he was 18 years of age, masha’allah!

12. His Positions and Manner of Conveying Knowledge Shaykh Barjas (rahimullah) lived a life where he was active in teaching and lecturing. He taught at Imaam Muhammad ibn Su’ood University and The Institute of Higher Justice (both in Riyadh) among other places. He was a qadi (judge) in the Ministry of Justice. He also held the position of imam and conducted lessons at the masjid. A brother related this about his manner of giving a khutbah; “The shaykh, at the time of salaatul-jumu’ah, he would ascend the mimbaar and give the salaams. After the adhaan he would begin with an opening khutbah and proceed to speak. While speaking the shaykh would hold on to one of the post on the mimbaar with one hand and hold his shimaagh (a cover sheet for the head) with the other hand. He would look at the audience straight in their faces and speak in a loud voice. I recall taking my roommate to his masjid for one of his khutbahs and my roommate commented on his style of khutbah as though he was giving you a final naseehah- -

13. his face was serious and his voice was loud while still holding on to that post on the mimbaar. Imagine this while he was quoting the qur’aan and sunnah. His khutbah were very moving and amazingly it did not exceed ten (10) minutes in length. It was like he was all charged up and ready to remind the believers of Islaam and its many branches.“ He occasionally traveled outside of Saudi Arabia to lecture in places in the West such as the United Kingdom on several occasions.

14. Abdus- Salam al-Barjas –May Allah Protect him- said: • ‘Indeed the ones who are worthy to be called (‘Aalim) are very few. And it wouldn’t be extreme if it was said ‘rare’ this is because an ‘Aalim has particular qualities, and most of them are not found amongst those who connect themselves to knowledge today, so an 'Aalim is not one who is eloquent in language, and an 'Aalim is not one who compiles a book or checks a manuscript; And, if an 'Aalim is just understood by these affairs, and unfortunately, this is what is in the minds of many (of the people) who are not acquainted with who an 'Aalim is, and for this reason, many of the General masses have humbled themselves to eloquence in language and the writings of other than the ‘Ulama. So these things become a point of amazement with them. So an 'Aalim in truth is the one who is well versed with the ‘Ilm as-Shara’ee (legislative Knowledge) and is familiar with the general rulings of the Book and the Sunnah, acquainted with the Naasikh and Mansookh, the Mutlaq and Muqayid, the Mujmal and Mufasar and also has read the statements of the Salaf in those areas in which they differed’.

15. His Character Shaykh Barjass was known for many wonderful qualities and the beauty of his manners. He was intelligent, had a high regard for people and this was reflected by his humble nature and the high honor he showed his parents, those he studied under and indeed the people in general. It was said from some that knew him that “ his advices were excellent and precise. There was neither haughtiness nor pride in his character. He used sit with us and Impart beneficial knowledge to us. Likewise in his moments of relaxation, he would make us laugh with his anecdotes and experiences. He was found always humble, generous and accommodating.” And of those who had a high regard for him was Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih al Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) with whom Shaykh bin Barjass even resided with for a time. His love of ”the people of Ahlus Sunnah & those upon the path of the salaf was another admirable trait, and from those who he vigorously defended and loved was the mujaddid of this century Shaykh Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee”.

16. His Death On 13/2/1425 (April 2004), while traveling in a vehicle on the "Ahsaa" road (between the eastern province and Riyadh) and while he was trying to avoid hitting a camel, Shaykh ‘Abdul Salaam bin Barjass bin Naasir Al ‘Abdul Kareem was involved in a car accident in which he died. Due to his kind & mild nature and level of humility, it was said that many many people expressed sorrow at his passing. This included the scholars of this deen, who admired him for his religious knowledge that had become manisfest at such a young age. “Some of them said he would have been a sign.” “The Shaykh was known to be a strong defender of the sunnah, defending it with himself, his pen and his wealth.” His janaza was held after Asr at Masjid Turki Bin Abdullah, Deera. (Riyadh) May Allaah subhna wa t’ala have mercy on the Shaykh and forgive him, and allow the muslims still living to benefit from his works, amin.

17. Conclusion To learn more about him, you can listen to The Correct Creed - Introduction @ www.understand-islam.net Here are a two audios by him @ Fatwa-Online For other online articles and audios of his work, please review this link insha’allah “Articles Online by Shaykh Abdus-Salam al-Barjas Rahimahullah” Please pardon me for any errors I have may have made in this halaqah. Anything good is from Allaah ‘azza wajal, anything bad from myself and the accursed shaitan. UmmIdris (Kareema) Subhanaka 'allahumma wa bihamdika 'ash hadu 'alla 'ilaha 'illa 'anta astaghfiruka wa 'atubu 'ilayka

18. References • Slide 2 Voice Audio • Slide 3 Respect for the scholars • Slide 5 The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass Map • Slide 6 The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass • Slide 7 • Slide 8 The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass • Slide 9 The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass • Slide 10 • Slide 11 The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass • Slide 12 Shaykh AbduSalam Barjass Dies - Innalillahi Wa innaa ilayhi Raaji'oon • Slide 13 Who are the Kibar Ulema • Slide 14 Shaykh AbduSalam Barjass Dies - Innalillahi Wa innaa ilayhi Raaji'oon • Slide 15The Correct Creed - IntroductionSaleh As-Saleh - Based upon the book of Shaykh al Barjass • Shaykh AbduSalam Barjass Dies - Innalillahi Wa innaa ilayhi Raaji'oon • Other internet & book research