Salafus-Saaliheen سلف صالحين

He was born in the city of Ashkodera, then the capital of Albania in the year 1332 A.H./1914 C.E. into a poor family. His father al-Haaj Nooh Najjaatee al-Albaanee had completed Sharee'ah studies in Istanbul and returned a scholar to Albania. After Albania was taken over by atheism the family made Hijrah to Damascus. In Damascus Shaykh al-Albaanee completed his initial education and was then taught the Qur.aan, Tajweed, sciences of Arabic language, fiqh of the Hanafee madhab and further branches of the Deen by various Shaykhs and friends of his father.

He also learnt from his father the art of clock and watch repair - and became highly skilled in that and famous for it and derived his earnings through it. He began to specialise in the field of Hadeeth and its related sciences by the age of 20 - being influenced by articles in 'al-Manaar' magazine.

He began to work in this field by transcribing al-Haafiz al-Iraaqee's monumental "al­Mughnee 'an-hamlil-Asfaar fil-Asfaar fee takhreej maa fil-lhyaa minal-Akhbaar" and adding notes to it.

He delved further into the field of Hadeeth and its various sciences despite discourage­ment from his father. Furthermore, the books he needed were not to be found in his father's library which was composed mainly of various works of Hanafee Fiqh - and since he could not afford many of the books he required he would borrow them from the famous library of Damascus - "al-Maktabah adth-Dthaahiriyyah" or sometimes from book sellers.

He became engrossed with the science of Hadeeth to the extent that he would sometimes close up his shop and remain in the library for up to twelve hours - breaking off his work only for prayer - he would not even leave to eat, but would take two light snacks with him.

Eventually the library authorities granted him a special room to himself for his study and his own key for access to the library before normal opening time. Often he would remain at work from early morning until after 'Ishaa. During this time he produced many useful works - many of which are still waiting to be printed.

The Shaykh faced much opposition in his efforts to promote Tawheed and the Sunnah but he bore this with patient perseverance. He was encouraged by some of the noble Shaykhs of Damascus who urged him to continue, amongst them Shaykh Bahjatul Bayjaar, Shaykh 'Abdul-Fattaah -the imam, and Towfeeq al-Barzah-rahimahumullaah.

After some time he started giving two weekly classes attended by students of knowledge and university teachers - in which he taught various books of 'Aqeedah, Fiqh, Usool and Hadeeth sciences.

He also began organised monthly journeys for Da'wah to the various cities of Syria and then Jordan.

After a number of his works appeared in print the Shaykh was chosen to teach Hadeeth in the new University in Madeenah, Saudi Arabia, for three years from 1381 to 1383H where he was also a member of the University board.

After this he returned to his former studies and work in "al-Maktabah adth-Dthaahiriyyah" leaving his shop in the hands of one of his brothers.

He visited various countries for Da'wah and lectures - amongst them Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, the Emirates, Spain and England. He was forced to emigrate a number of times moving from Syria to Jordan, then Syria again, then Beirut, then the Emirates, then again to 'Ammaan, Jordan. His works - mainly in the field of Hadeeth and its sciences number over 100.

His students are many and include many Shaykhs of the present day amongst them:
Shaykh Hamdee 'Abdul-Majeed, Shaykh Muhammad 'Eed 'Abbaasee, Dr. 'Umar Sulaymaan al-Ashqar, Shaykh Muhammad lbraheem Shaqrah, Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee al-Waadi'ee, Shaykh 'Alee Khushshaan, Shaykh Muhammad Jameel Zaynoo, Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan Abdus-Samad, Shaykh 'Alee Hasan 'Abdul-Hameed al-Halabee, Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee.

The Shaykh passed away on Saturday 22 Jumaadaa ath-Thaaniyah 1420 A.H. / 2 October 1999 C.E. He was 87 years of age. May Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) have Mercy upon his soul, aameen.

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JEWELS OF GUIDANCE
Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee

"...waking them up for Salaatul-Fajr"

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah) Shaykh Husayn al-‘Awaa.ishah narrated:
"The Shaykh himself used to pass by the houses of his students in his car waking them up for Salaatul-Fajr."
Safahaat baydhaa. min hayaat Shaykhinaa al-Albaanee – Page 38


"...all that mattered to me was (saving) time!"

The Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah) narrated:
“I bought a piece of land because it was cheap, and then began building a house and a shop (on it). As it was, the distance between my house to the Zaahiriyyah library which I used to frequent became further. (At the time), I used to work on a watch or two before the library opened its doors (in the morning).
I (then) bought a bicycle to ride, and it was the first time the people of Damascus saw such a sight, that a shaykh wearing a turban was riding a bicycle!; as a result they were very surprised. (At the time), there was a magazine run by a Christian entitled: ((al-Mudh-hik al-Mubkee)) and it mentioned this ("amazing") sight, and I was none too concerned by these small issues, since all that mattered to me was (saving) time!”
Safahaat baydhaa. min hayaat Shaykhinaa al-Albaanee – Page 24

Used to continuously pray 2 rak'ahs until the imaam ascended the pulpit...

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by Sameer ibn Ameen az-Zuhayree:
"Whenever he entered the masjid on the day of Jumu'ah, he would pray 2 rak'ahs (naafilah) and continue to do so until the imaam ascended the pulpit."
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 39

Never knew him to leave off fasting on Mondays and Thursdays...

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by Sameer ibn Ameen az-Zuhayree:
"From the day I knew him, he was never known to leave off fasting on Mondays and Thursdays - throughout the entire year, unless he was travelling or ill (and this was the case even before I knew him)."
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 39

May Allaah beautify you with that which he has beautified the man...

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), and how much importance he placed on enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, it has been narrated by Sameer ibn Ameen az-Zuhayree:
"I was with him once while he was ill (hospitalised) when one of the doctors (who was clean-shaven) entered (the room).
After giving the Shaykh his medication he hastened to leave, saying:
"Pray for me O Shaykh".
So the Shaykh (rahima-hullaah) said:
"May Allaah beautify you with that which he has beautified the man"."
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 30
..........
translators note: It is understood that the Shaykh's supplication implied the seeking of Allaah's Guidance for this man to keep a beard (which is obligatory), wAllaahu A'lam.

al-Hamdu Lillaah, indeed the Shaykh has memorised a hundred thousand hadeeth...

Shaykh 'Asheesh narrates an incident when the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah) was explaining the different scholarly levels of hadeeth, and Shaykh al-Albaanee went on to say:
"al-Haafidth is one who has memorised a hundred thousand hadeeth along with their chains of narration and the text (of each hadeeth)."
So Shaykh 'Asheesh responds:
"Is it possible for me to be satisfied in the knowledge that our Shaykh has memorised a hundred thousand hadeeth?"
Shaykh al-Albaanee said:
"This does not concern you."
Shaykh 'Asheesh said:
"Rather, it is from that which does concern me."
Shaykh al-Albaanee said:
"…does not concern you."
Shaykh 'Asheesh said:
"So is it possible for me to say that our Shaykh is a haafidth?"
So Shaykh al-Albaanee became quiet.
Shaykh 'Asheesh said:
"So is it possible for me to take your silence as an answer?"
Shaykh al-Albaanee said:
"Have I not told you that this does not concern you?"
Shaykh 'Asheesh said:
"Yes. This is from that which does concern me. Is it possible for me to interpret (your) lack of response as an answer?"
So the Shaykh became quiet.
And Shaykh 'Asheesh repeated his question to him a number of times.
Shaykh al-Albaanee recited:
"{And whatever you have of the blessings, then it is from Allaah}."
And Shaykh 'Asheesh quickly said:
"Can I interpret this as an answer?"
Shaykh al-Albaanee said:
"It is for you to interpret it as an answer and it is for you to interpret it as whatever you wish."
Shaykh 'Asheesh narrates:
"So I happily proclaimed: "Allaahu Akbar", and jubilantly exclaimed: "Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah", and said:
"al-Hamdu Lillaah, indeed the Shaykh has memorised a hundred thousand hadeeth."
So our Shaykh laughed; It was as if he confirmed what I was saying."
Shaykh 'Asheesh further narrates:
"From his responses from the beginning to the end there never was a clear answer from the Shaykh, so this does not imply anything except his extreme humility."
Safahaat baydhaa. min hayaat Shaykhinaa al-Albaanee – Page 40

Are you Shaykh al-Albaanee?

Once the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), whilst sitting in his car, was approached by a man who asked:
"Are you Shaykh al-Albaanee?"
At this, the Shaykh was reduced to tears, and when he was asked as to the reason for him crying, he replied:
"It is befitting for a person to strive hard with himself and not to feel proud as a result of the people's statements (praises)".
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 40

The Shaykh bequeathed his entire library to the Islaamic University of Madeenah...

In his will, the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), mentioned the following:
"And I bequeath my library - all of it, whether it be (in) printed (form) or photo-copy or manuscript (form); in my hand writing or the hand writing of other than mine - to the library of al-Jaami'ah al-Islaamiyyah (Islaamic University) in al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah. Because I have fond memories of it (the University), in calling to the Book (of Allaah) and the Sunnah, upon the manhaj of the Pious Predecessors in the days when I was a teacher there."
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 78

A sister from Algeria calls the Shaykh about a dream...

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated:
Once a sister from Algeria called the Shaykh and said: "O Shaykh! I have news!"
The Shaykh said: "I hope Allaah has blessed you with good news".
She said: "One of the sisters had a dream, and I shall narrate it to you".
The Shaykh said: "I hope she saw (something) good".
She said: "O Shaykh! is this confirmed, that someone comes and narrates a dream to you and you say: "I hope you saw (something) good and (hopefully) it is good"? Is this confirmed from the Sunnah?".
The Shaykh said: "No. This is not confirmed, however, there is no harm in using this (term) sometimes".
She said: "This sister saw herself on a balcony which overlooked a path. And upon this path she saw the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) by his (known) description. Then she saw me standing infront of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and saw the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) smiling at me, and I was smiling at him.
Then I called her, and said to her: "Come down. Come down with us."
So when she came down she asked me: "Who are you looking at?"
So I said: "Look at the one who looked at me", and she saw the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), then the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) smiled, and proceeded along the path.
We then walked together along the (same) path (the sister and I) and whilst we were walking we saw a Shaykh upon the (same) path, so we extended our greetings to him, we said: "as-Salaamu 'alaykum".
So he replied to us: "wa 'alaykum as-Salaam wa Rahmatullaahe wa Barakaatuhu."
Then this Shaykh asked us: "Did you see the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)?"
We said: "Yes, we saw him."
So this sister asked me: "Who is this Shaykh?"
So I said to her: "This is Shaykh al-Albaanee."." [end of dream]
The sister who had called the Shaykh, then said: "I ask Allaah to make this good news for you O Shaykh, and I wished to inform you O Shaykh, so hopefully it is good news, inshaa.-Allaah, that you are upon the way of the Sunnah, inshaa.-Allaah Ta'aala. So what do you say O Shaykh?"
Here, the Shaykh did not say a thing, rather, tears began pouring down (his face) and he cried profusely. He then asked those of the brothers who were in his gathering to leave.
Muhaddith al-'Asr Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 40

The Shaykh grieves upon hearing about the death of Shaykh Ibn Baaz...

Concerning the Imaam of Hadeeth, the Shaykh - Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), it has been narrated by his prolific student, the Shaykh - 'Alee ibn Hasan al-Halabee al-Atharee (hafitha-hullaah) when he informed Shaykh al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah) of the death of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (rahima-hullaah):
And on the same day (as the death of Shaykh Ibn Baaz(rahima-hullaah)) I met our Shaykh and teacher the 'Allaamah, the Muhaddith - Abu 'Abdir-Rahmaan Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahima-hullaah), may Allaah restore his health and prolong his stay and extend his time; And I informed him the news of the death of the noble Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz. May Allaah increase his favours upon him - I did not see him (the Shaykh), except that his eyes began to shed tears and he sighed deeply and then said:
((innaa lillaahe wa innaa ilayhe raaji'oon; Allaahumma ajurnee fee museebatee wakhlifnee kayran minhaa...));
(To Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, recompense me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better)
- [as per the hadeeth in Volume 2, Page 632 of Saheeh Muslim regarding when one is informed of the death of another Muslim].
Mulhaq al-Asaalah fee wafaat mujaddid al-qarn wa muhaddith al-'asr, 25 Jumaadaa al-Aakhir 1420 - Page 3