Abdullah bin Mahfudh ibn Bayyah (born 1935) is a Mauritanian-born Islamic scholar, jurist, and peace advocate, widely regarded as one of the most influential Muslim scholars today. A leading figure in Sunni Islam, he follows the Maliki school of jurisprudence and Ash’ari theology, with a strong emphasis on Sufism and practical solutions to contemporary issues. Based in Saudi Arabia, he is known for his moderate, balanced approach and efforts to promote peace and coexistence globally.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born in 1935 in Mauritania’s eastern desert region to a scholarly family of the Bayyah tribe, known for producing religious and literary figures.
- Education:
- Studied under his father, Shaykh Mahfudh, and other Mauritanian scholars, mastering traditional Islamic sciences (fiqh, hadith, tafsir, usul al-fiqh) in the Maliki tradition.
- Trained in Mauritania’s rigorous mahzarah system, memorizing key texts like the Qur’an, Alfiyyah of Ibn Malik (grammar), and Mukhtasar Khalil (Maliki fiqh).
- Studied secular subjects, including law and philosophy, giving him a unique blend of traditional and modern knowledge.
- Mentored by prominent scholars like Shaykh Muhammad Salim ‘Adud, who shaped his legal and spiritual outlook.
Career and Contributions
- Academic Roles:
- Served as a professor of Islamic law at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he has resided since the 1980s.
- Held judicial positions in Mauritania, including Vice President of the Supreme Court, and was Minister of Justice and Education in the 1970s.
- Key Organizations:
- Global Center for Renewal and Guidance (GCRG): Founded to promote moderate Islamic thought and counter extremism.
- Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies: Established in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he serves as president. The forum addresses sectarianism, violence, and interfaith tensions, issuing initiatives like the Marrakesh Declaration (2016), which advocates for minority rights in Muslim-majority countries.
- Al-Majlis al-Urubbial-Imamah wal Ifta (European Council for Fatwa and Research): A senior member, issuing fatwas to guide Muslims in Western contexts.
- Scholarship:
- Authored works on Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and contemporary issues, including Sina’at al-Fatwa (The Craft of Issuing Fatwas) and Tawjih al-Shari’ah (Guiding Sharia Application).
- Known for fatwas addressing modern challenges, such as technology, minority rights, and coexistence, emphasizing maqasid al-shari’ah (objectives of Islamic law).
- Peace Advocacy:
- Promotes interfaith dialogue, engaging with Christian, Jewish, and other religious leaders to foster mutual respect.
- Counters extremism by advocating for a “jurisprudence of peace” over a “jurisprudence of conflict,” critiquing misinterpretations of jihad and sectarian rhetoric.
- His Marrakesh Declaration (2016) is a landmark document, calling for constitutional protections for religious minorities based on the Prophet Muhammad’s Charter of Medina.
- Global Influence:
- Lectures worldwide, from the UAE to the US, on topics like ethics, spirituality, and social harmony.
- Advises governments and institutions, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, on religious policy and deradicalization.
Recognition
- The Muslim 500: Consistently ranked among the top 10 most influential Muslims (e.g., 8th in 2023) by Georgetown University and Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.
- Awards: Received honors like the King Faisal International Prize (2018) for Islamic Studies and the UAE’s Order of the Union (2016) for peace efforts.
- Endorsements: Praised by scholars like Habib Ali al-Jifri and Hamza Yusuf for his erudition and practical wisdom.
Personal Traits and Methodology
- Approach: Combines deep traditional scholarship with contextual awareness, applying fiqh al-waq’i (jurisprudence of reality) to address modern issues like globalization and technology.
- Sufism: A proponent of spiritual purification, he follows the Shadhili Sufi order, emphasizing inner reform as a foundation for societal change.
- Character: Known for humility, wit, and accessibility, often engaging audiences with relatable analogies and humor.
- Languages: Fluent in Arabic, with knowledge of French and Hassaniyya (Mauritanian dialect), aiding his global outreach.
Controversies
- Criticism from Hardliners: Some Salafi and Islamist groups accuse him of compromising Islamic principles by engaging with Western governments or supporting minority rights, labeling his fatwas as overly liberal.
- Political Affiliations: His ties to the UAE and Saudi governments have drawn scrutiny from critics who question his independence, though supporters argue his influence promotes moderation in these states.
- Fatwa Debates: Certain rulings, like those on Muslims in non-Muslim countries, have sparked debate among scholars, with some viewing them as too permissive.
Connection to Habib Ali al-Jifri
- While no direct teacher-student relationship is widely documented, both scholars share intellectual and spiritual ties through the broader Sunni scholarly network, particularly the Maliki and Sufi traditions. Habib Ali al-Jifri has praised Bin Bayyah’s contributions to peace and moderation, and both collaborate in initiatives like the Forum for Promoting Peace. Al-Jifri’s work at the Tabah Foundation aligns with Bin Bayyah’s mission to address contemporary issues through traditional frameworks.
Current Status
- Resides in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and remains active in Abu Dhabi through the Forum for Promoting Peace.
- Continues to issue fatwas, deliver lectures, and mentor scholars, with a focus on countering extremism and fostering global harmony.
For more details, visit the Forum for Promoting Peace (www.peacems.com) or explore his fatwas via the European Council for Fatwa and Research.
