Biography of Shaykh Abdus Salaam bin Barjass

2. Existence is a Sea and 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 .

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.

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.

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