Habib Salim bin Abdullah al-Shatiri

Biography of Habib Salim bin Abdullah al-Shatiri

Habib Salim bin Abdullah al-Shatiri, born in the serene town of Tarim in 1359 (1940), was destined for greatness in the realm of Islamic scholarship. As the youngest son of the eminent Shaykh al-Islam, Habib Abdullah bin Umar al-Shatiri, Habib Salim’s early life was marked by the profound loss of his father, who passed away when Salim was merely two years old.

Foretold by his father to be a “sultan” or leader in knowledge, Habib Salim later earned the title “Sultan al-Ulama” or “leader of the scholars.”

Youth and Education

During his youth, Habib Salim immersed himself in the pursuit of knowledge under the guidance of distinguished scholars in Hadramawt. Influential figures such as Habib Alawi bin Shihab, Habib Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafiz, Habib Ja`far bin Ahmad al-`Aydarus, Habib Umar bin `Alawi al-Kaf, and Shaykh Mahfuz bin Salim bin Uthman shaped his intellectual foundation.

Seeking further enlightenment, he spent four transformative years in Makkah, studying under esteemed scholars like Sayyid `Alawi bin `Abbas al-Maliki, Shaykh Hasan Mashat, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Fadani.

Call to Allah and Perseverance

Habib Salim dedicated 15 impactful years to teaching and calling people to Allah in Aden. Despite facing adversity, including an attempt on his life by the Socialist government, he resiliently continued his mission. Imprisonment and torture only fueled his commitment, and after his release, he relocated to the Hijaz, teaching in Ribat al-Jifri in Madinah.

Upon the fall of the Communist regime in South Yemen, he returned to Tarim, reopening the Ribat with his brother Habib Hasan. Students from around the world flocked to learn, and upon Habib Hasan’s passing in 1425 (2004), Habib Salim assumed the role of principal.

Legacy and Knowledge

Renowned for his insightful and humorous public gatherings, Habib Salim’s teachings referenced the great imams of the past, offering guidance and warnings against various misdemeanors. His encyclopedic knowledge and photographic memory attracted scholars like Habib Umar bin Hafiz, who made a point of attending his public lessons.

In his final years, health challenges led him to divide his time between Abu Dhabi and the Hijaz, where he eventually passed away in Jeddah on 1st Jumada al-Akhirah 1439 (16th February 2018). His funeral prayers were conducted in Jeddah and Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and he was laid to rest in the Ma`la Cemetery.

Habib Salim bin Abdullah al-Shatiri dedicated his life to serving Islam, leaving an indelible mark on countless individuals who benefited from his profound knowledge and wisdom. May Allah continue to bless us with his legacy and reward him abundantly for his tireless contributions to the Ummah.

Source: Muwassolah.org