Condolences upon passing of Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhī rājiʿūn. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we are returning.

Contents

Preacher-scientist of unique influence Background Role during 2011 Revolution Driven by his principles Analysis Also read

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of the veteran scholar, activist, and Imam, Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi. Departing from this temporary world in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, he had been blessed to reach the age of 98. [1]

The late leader is especially remembered for his tireless efforts in spreading the teachings of Islam, encouraging community activism, and never selling his principles for anyone or anything.

Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi had such a presence and impact, President Hosni Mubarak was fearful of him and ordered that he be banned from delivering speeches at the pulpit. And before Mubarak, even Presidents Nasser and Sadat felt the pressure stemming from the shaykh’s relentless efforts. [1]

Preacher-scientist of unique influence

The Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, Shaykh Dr. Ali al-Qaradaghi, paid tribute to the late activist and Imam in the following words,

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and supporters of Shaykh al-Mahlawi, as he passed away on Sunday morning at his home in Alexandria.

“May Allah have mercy upon the venerable shaykh and the preacher-scientist who used to prepare his lessons in the mosque at times of invitation and influence. His lessons went beyond teaching letters and words to reaching hearts and minds.

“He believed that people are great energies capable of changing the social dynamic, which is why he worked to motivate and activate them.

“Indeed, Shaykh al-Mahlawi moved from the mosque to the street and influenced so much that he was dismissed from his position as Imam of the mosque due to his political views contrary to the regime.” [2]

Shaykh Dr. Ali al-Qaradaghi — who also serves as Professor of Jurisprudence at the Faculty of Sharī’ah and Islamic Studies at Qatar University — continues,

“But this was not the end, but rather the beginning of another chapter that was the most important in his life.

“He started a strong movement to establish the General Association of Mosque Scholars in Alexandria, which was a bridge to take the call from the mosque to the street.

“He was a pioneer in merging the function of Imamate, mass action, and political opposition. He believed that religious, political, and social participation could be integrated for the benefit of the people and the betterment of their lives.” [2]

Background

Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi was born on 1 July 1925, in the Kafr El Sheikh Governorate village of ʻIzbat al-Burj.

As a young man, he attended the prestigious al-Azhar university and completed his Bachelors degree in Sharī’ah in 1954. He received a Masters in Arabic two years later, before being appointed as an Imam, preacher, and teacher at al-Satohi Mosque in the city of Burullus by the Ministry of Endowments in 1957.

In 1963, the Ministry decided to transfer the shaykh to the Imamate of the Sidi Gaber Mosque in Alexandria Governorate.

During this time, he also preached in private schools and launched supporting classes in the mosque for secondary and university students.

Role during 2011 Revolution

As the country headed towards popular action in order to bring about an improvement in the lives of those who had been oppressed by Mubarak and his allies, Shaykh al-Mahlawi was instrumental in providing a space for activists to gather in the courtyard of his masjid, al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque (also known as the Commander Ibrahim Mosque). [1]

The Editor-in-Chief of Almesryoon newspaper, Gamal Sultan, said of this huge loss,

“At the age of 80, he was the preacher of the revolution in Alexandria. He lived chaste, honourable, ascetic, bold in the truth, not belonging to a party or group.

“He was a nation by himself, and a widely influential advocacy and charitable institution, and he remained steadfast in the truth, not selling his religion or his word, until he met the Face of his Lord.

“May Allah have mercy upon him and honour his descent and illuminate his grave.” [1]

Driven by his principles

During the country’s leadership by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi was once told to pray for him during the Friday sermon, but he refused.

Likewise, from the mid-70s, the activist and Imam began to veer off the set course that was given to him by the Ministry of Endowments, taking it upon himself to travel across Alexandria in order to deliver lectures at various educational institutions. This frustrated the then President, Anwar Sadat.

After Egypt and the Zionist state signed the US-led Camp David Accords in 1978, the shaykh delivered a number of fiery speeches in which he criticised Sadat, often regarding his flamboyant lifestyle and claims of corruption within government. [3]

In the years that followed, there was significant friction between the government and the Imam; during the 1980s, he was banned from the pulpit, with a further ban that was only broken when he reappeared on 4 February 2011 and delivered a sermon at the Commander Ibrahim Mosque.

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Ustadh Faizaan Mahmood

Regular contributor

The late shaykh's life was filled with a never-dying dedication for spreading Islamic knowledge and standing for justice despite having faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including relentless opposition from the authorities who viewed his activities as a threat to the status quo.

In spite of difficulties, his contributions extended beyond the confines of traditional education; he actively engaged with the youth and elders within his community, reaching into schools and universities, where he sought to inculcate a deep sense of faith and spirituality among students.

Throughout his life, he endured bans, imprisonment, and threats, all intended to silence him and eliminate the radiance and radius of his message.

However, Shaykh al-Mahlawi remained resilient in his commitment to da’wah, refusing to turn away from his responsibilities as a person of knowledge.

In a narration reported by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, he asked the Messenger ﷺ,

'O Messenger of Allah, which people are treated most severely?'

The Messenger ﷺ replied,

'They are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best.

'A man is put to trial according to his religion. If he is firm in his religion, his trials will be more severe. If he is weak in his religion, he is put to trial according to his strength in religion.

'The servant will continue to be put to trial until he is left walking upon the Earth without any sin.'

The prophets, companions, and all the righteous exemplars who came before us, dedicated their lives to conveying the truth and forbidding all forms of social vice, and it is as a result of this that they faced varying forms of persecution. Shaykh al-Mahlawi's struggle and sacrifice serve as a testament to his uprightness and spiritual resolve.

And his fortitude in the face of adversity inspired countless individuals, igniting a sense of social courage and determination within the Muslim community. His willingness to endure hardship for the sake of da'wah highlights the essence of selflessness and sacrifice, embodying the highest ideals of Islamic principles.

In conclusion, the confronting words of Ibn Mas'ūd echo in our hearts:

مَوْتُ الْعَالِمِ ثُلْمَةٌ لَا يَسُدُّهَا شَيْءٌ مَا اخْتَلَفَ اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ

'The death of a scholar is a loss that cannot be replaced for as long as the day and night alternate.'

As we reflect on his life and legacy, let us honour Shaykh Ahmed al-Mahlawi's memory by continuing his noble mission of promoting justice and truth in the face of oppression and tyranny.

May Allah (subḥānahu wa ta'āla) reward him endlessly on behalf of the Ummah at large, and render his grave a garden from the Gardens of Paradise, āmīn.