Muhammad ‘Alawi al-Maliki (1944–2004) was a prominent Sunni Islamic scholar, jurist, and spiritual guide from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, known for his contributions to Islamic scholarship, Sufism, and the defense of traditional Sunni Islam. A member of the Maliki school of jurisprudence and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Hasan ibn Ali, he was a leading figure in the Hejazi scholarly tradition and a key influence in the Ba’Alawi Sufi order.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born in 1944 in Mecca to a family of scholars tracing their lineage to the Prophet Muhammad via the Banu Malik clan.
- Education:
- Studied under his father, Sayyid ‘Alawi ibn ‘Abbas al-Maliki, a renowned Meccan scholar and teacher at the Masjid al-Haram.
- Trained in the Maliki school of fiqh (jurisprudence) and Ash’ari theology, mastering hadith, tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), and spirituality.
- Studied with prominent scholars like Shaykh Hasanayn Makhluf (Egypt), Shaykh Muhammad al-Hafiz (Tunis), and Shaykh Habib Abdul-Qadir al-Saqqaf (Mecca).
- Earned advanced certifications (ijazat) in hadith and Islamic sciences from institutions in Mecca and beyond.
- Academic Role: Became a professor at the Umm al-Qura University in Mecca and taught at the Masjid al-Haram, mentoring students like Habib Ali al-Jifri and Habib Umar bin Hafiz.
Career and Contributions
- Scholarship: Authored over 100 works on fiqh, hadith, theology, prophetic biography (sira), and spirituality. Notable books include:
- Mafahim Yajib an Tusahhah (Concepts That Must Be Corrected), defending traditional Sunni practices against modernist critiques.
- Hawla al-Ihtifal bi al-Mawlid al-Nabawi (On Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday), supporting the permissibility of Mawlid.
- Al-Ziyarah al-Nabawiyyah (On Visiting the Prophet’s Grave), advocating for the spiritual significance of ziyarah.
- Sufism: A leading figure in the Ba’Alawi Sufi order, he emphasized spiritual purification, love for the Prophet, and adherence to Sharia. His teachings balanced exoteric (legal) and esoteric (mystical) dimensions of Islam.
- Global Influence: Traveled widely, teaching in countries like Egypt, Yemen, Indonesia, and Malaysia. His home in Mecca was a hub for students and scholars worldwide, fostering a global network of traditional Sunni scholarship.
- Defense of Orthodoxy: Al-Maliki was a vocal critic of Wahhabism and Salafism, which he viewed as rigid and dismissive of traditional Sunni practices like Mawlid, intercession (tawassul), and seeking blessings (tabarruk). His works countered their influence while promoting moderation.
- Interfaith Efforts: Advocated for peaceful coexistence, engaging with non-Muslims and emphasizing Islam’s universal values.
Controversies
- Opposition from Wahhabis: His outspoken defense of Sufi practices and traditional Sunni rituals led to tensions with Saudi religious authorities. He faced restrictions, including a brief teaching ban at the Masjid al-Haram in the 1970s.
- Criticism: Some Salafi scholars labeled him as promoting bid’ah (innovation) or excessive veneration of the Prophet. His books were banned in some Saudi circles, though widely circulated elsewhere.
- Legacy Disputes: After his death, debates arose over his positions, with supporters praising his balanced approach and critics accusing him of deviations, often misrepresenting his views.
Personal Traits and Legacy
- Character: Known for humility, generosity, and devotion to teaching, he was described as a “reviver of the faith” by his students. His gatherings were marked by spiritual intensity and love for the Prophet.
- Death: Passed away in 2004 in Mecca, leaving behind a vast scholarly and spiritual legacy. His funeral was attended by thousands, reflecting his widespread influence.
- Impact: His students, including Habib Ali al-Jifri, Habib Umar bin Hafiz, and others, continue his mission through institutions like Dar al-Mustafa in Yemen and the Tabah Foundation in the UAE. His works remain widely studied in Sunni circles, particularly in the Arab world, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
- Recognition: Often ranked among the most influential Muslims posthumously in The Muslim 500 for his contributions to Islamic thought and education.
Connection to Habib Ali al-Jifri
- Al-Maliki was a key teacher of Habib Ali al-Jifri, instructing him in hadith terminology and prophetic biography (sira). His influence shaped Al-Jifri’s approach to combining scholarly rigor with spiritual depth, particularly within the Ba’Alawi tradition.
For further details, you can explore his works (some available in English translations) or visit institutions like Dar al-Mustafa (www.daralmustafa.org).
