Habib Ali Zain al-Abidin al-Jifri is a prominent Yemeni Sunni Islamic scholar, spiritual educator, and Sufi leader born on April 16, 1971, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is based in the United Arab Emirates and is the founder and director of the Tabah Foundation, a research institute in Abu Dhabi focused on Islamic studies and contemporary issues. He is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Husayn ibn Ali, tracing his lineage through the Ba’Alawi Sufi order, which follows the Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam.
Early Life and Education
- Birth and Family: Born to parents from the Hadhramaut valley in Yemen, his ancestral roots are in Tarim, a historic center of Islamic learning. His first teacher was his mother’s great-aunt, Safiyya bint Hasan al-Jifri, a scholar who profoundly influenced his spiritual and intellectual path.
- Education: From childhood, he studied Islamic sciences under renowned scholars, including:
- Habib Abdul-Qadir al-Saqqaf in Jeddah, with whom he studied hadith collections (e.g., Bukhari, Muslim) and Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din for over a decade.
- Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, under whom he studied spiritual texts.
- Habib Muhammad bin Alawi al-Maliki, who taught him hadith terminology and prophetic biography.
- Habib Umar bin Hafiz, a key mentor, with whom he spent 1993–2003 in Tarim, deepening his spiritual and scholarly training.
- He also studied at the College of Islamic Studies in Sana’a, Yemen (1991–1993), and under scholars like Habib Muhammad al-Hadaar.
- Spiritual Training: His education emphasized both exoteric (theoretical) and esoteric (spiritual) sciences, rooted in the Ba’Alawi tradition, known for its balance of jurisprudence, spirituality, and moderation.
Career and Contributions
- Tabah Foundation (2005–present): As General Director, Al-Jifri established this non-profit to address contemporary issues through traditional Islamic principles, producing reputable research and fostering dialogue.
- Dar al-Mustafa: He is a lecturer and board member at this Tarim-based seminary for Islamic studies, founded by Habib Umar bin Hafiz.
- Global Engagement: Al-Jifri is a sought-after speaker, traveling worldwide to deliver lectures on spirituality, interfaith dialogue, ethics, and preventing extremism. He has addressed audiences in countries like Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, the UK, Germany, and the US.
- Media Presence: He hosts Amantu-billah, a television program engaging diverse intellectuals and discussing faith, philosophy, and society. His approach emphasizes compassion and intellectual depth.
- Interfaith Dialogue: A contributor to A Common Word Between Us and You, an Islamic-Christian dialogue initiative, he received the Eugen Biser Award in 2008 for his efforts. He is also an active member of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan.
- Dakwah (Islamic Outreach): Since the 1990s, Al-Jifri has conducted dawah globally, known for his gentle, inclusive approach. His sermons often move audiences, softening hearts and promoting harmony, as seen in events like the Wembley Mawlid in the UK and talks in Denmark and Germany.
Recognition
- The Muslim 500: Ranked 37th in 2009 and 22nd in 2023 among the world’s most influential Muslims by Georgetown University and Jordan’s Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre.
- Awards: Received the Eugen Biser Award (2008) for interfaith contributions.
- Scholarly Impact: Known for books like The Concept of Faith in Islam and his affiliation with prestigious Islamic institutions.
Personal Traits and Methodology
- Al-Jifri’s teachings emphasize the Sunnah, spiritual development, and moderation, avoiding the harshness of some contemporary movements. His Sufi orientation, rooted in the Ba’Alawi order, focuses on love, compassion, and inner purification.
- He critiques divisive conflicts in the Muslim world, advocating for unity and understanding, as noted in his talks on the destruction caused by sectarian strife.
- His physical description includes dark eyes and black hair, with a demeanor reflecting humility and piety.
Controversies
- Some critics, particularly from certain theological perspectives, label him as deviant due to his Sufi practices, accusing him of innovations in faith (bid’ah).
- A 2020 controversy arose when he was criticized for comments on Uyghur Muslims, which some interpreted as downplaying their plight, though this sparked debate and refutations online.
Current Residence and Legacy
- Al-Jifri resides in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but is currently based in Cairo, Egypt, according to some sources.
- His work continues to inspire millions, particularly Sunni Muslims, through his blend of traditional scholarship, spiritual guidance, and modern relevance. His emphasis on love and forgiveness, as seen in quotes like treating others’ mistakes with the mercy one seeks from God, resonates widely.
For more details, visit his official website (www.alhabibali.com) or the Tabah Foundation (www.tabahfoundation.org).
