Habib Ali al Habashi

1843 - 1915, Yemen

Beginnings

Habib Ali al Habashi came from a very religious family. Both his mother and father were scholars and he was related to the Prophet (peace be upon him) from both parents. Although his father lived and worked in Mecca, teaching Islamic studies, Habib Ali remained with his mother in Yemen. He excelled in the study of the Quran and Islamic law and was the student of the great Yemeni scholars of that time.

Teaching

When he was less than 20 years old, Habib Ali began teaching Islam as well as studying. One of his teachers, the great Habib Abu Bakr al Attas, described Habib Ali as a great magnet that would pull people's hearts to Allah.

Habib Ali was very sincere in his lessons and what he said came from his heart, such that people would begin to cry before he'd even started speaking.

Loving Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Habib Ali was known for his love of Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon him). When one of his companions was asked about his, he described Habib Ali as being someone who didn't necessarily do lots of extra prayers at night or extensive thikr. Rather, he had an immense love for Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon him), so he was made to call people to Allah. This shows the power of loving Allah and the Prophet (peace be upon him). When we love someone, we want to know all about them and we remember them all the time. And so how can we love Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him)? By learning more about them, remembering them and thinking about them all the time.

His care for Others

Habib Ali had immense mercy for all of Allah's creation and wouldn't sleep until he had shown care for everyone in the world. He would make repentance on behalf of the entire Ummah and ask Allah to guide the scholars, teach the ignorant and pardon the wrongdoers.

Habib Ali was also extremely generous and arranged for money to be given to the poor and needy in his area. He also paid to support and educate students of knowledge.

His Poetry

Habib Ali wrote much poetry in praise of the Prophet (peace be upon him). In fact, his poetry reaches about six volumes of work! Within these pages, you can see his immense love for the Prophet (peace be upon him). One of his well-known duas is:

"O Allah, bestow prayers and peace upon our Master Muhammad, the key to the door of Allah's mercy, to the extent of Allah's knowledge, which continue eternally as Allah's dominion continues eternally, and upon his Family and Companions"

(Allahumma salli wa sallim 'ala sayidina Muhamad, miftah bab rahmat illah, 'adad ma fi 'ilm illah, salatan wa salaman da-iman bi dawami mulk illah, wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi)

Habib Ali is buried in Tarim.

May Allah surround him with mercy, blessings and peace.