The contribution of Shaykh Nasirudeen Al Albani to the Science of Hadeeth in modern times

by Hana Arisesa


In the modern Islamic world, Shaykh Nasirudeen Al Albani is one of the esteemed scholars who is known his contribution mainly in Science of Hadeeth. Based on his famous name, He come from Albania, a small country in western part of Balkan Peninsula. He was born in Shkoder, one of the oldest cities in Albania. His complete name is Muhammad Nasirudeen Ibn haji Nuh Najaati al-Arnauth al-Albani.  He was born in 1914 M and died in 1999 M at the age 85.

He come from scholar family, his father Shaykh Nuh Najaati is one of the prominent scholar of Hanafi Madhab. From his father, Shaikh Albani learn several lessons such us Quranic reading and Quranic memorizing.  When he was young, his father bring his family moved from Albania to Damascus, avoiding from bad government who ruled in Albania at that time. Young Albani continue learning Islamic lesson from his father and several scholar at Damascus. He worked as a clock and watch repairer to support his family. He opened small watch and clock shop in Damascus. According to several his biographies, he attended lesson from Shaykh Said al Burhani who is famous Hanafi scholar in Damascus and also imam in Damascus Mosque. From Him, He learned several Islamic lessons such us grammatical Arabic language and Islamic Jurisprudence by the opinion Hanafi Madhab. It is understandable, because his family is belong to hanafi Madhab.  But it seem that Shaykh al-Albani tried to free from just only one opinion Madhab, moreover later his opinion has been influenced by several movements at that time especially which have brought by Muhammad Rasyid Ridaa.

His Effort in Hadeeth Science.

At young Al-Albani tend to learn the hadeeth from several scholars in Damascus. His teachers in hadeeth such as Shaykh Muhammad Raghib Ath-Thabaah, a noticeable scholar in Halab at that time. He also read Al-manar, a periodical magazine who is written by Rasyeed Ridha and his way of life which call to reform in Islamic taught. Shaykh al-Albani then spend a lot of his time to study and investigate hadeeth from literature which can be found in Damascus Library. Moreover he left his shop just only to concentrate in his study about hadeeth. He use Damascus library which is known with a rare manuscript and abundant book and literature of Islamic science.  Reported that Shaykh can spent many hours to read and write in the library, even he often come before the office staff come to the library and still there when the office staff went home. This lead to the office of the library give him a key and small room to do his research inside the library.

His effort and dedication in Science of Hadeeth spread to worldwide. When The Islamic University of Medina opened, he is one of the persons to teach there. Shaykh Albani teach thee for around there years, then decided to return to Damascus, because there was different opinion on some issue with other scholar. But, Shaikh help to build the foundation and curriculum of hadeeth in The Islamic University of Medina at that time. After went back to Damascus he continue his study.

Shaykh al-Albani also visited and lectured in many countries. He visited Arab countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and he also he travelled to European countries like Spain, Britain, and Germany. His taught, opinion, and effort spread around the world. He influence many people and movement at that time, even until nowadays. His book and lecturer read by many people. Many scholar say in a good to the Shaykh. Some scholar says that He is greatest scholar in hadeeth in 20 century. Although he is known his contribution in hadeeth science,it doesn’t mean he didn’t has any concern about other topic. Even, some his book is talking obout Islamic jurisprudence like his book “The Prophet's Prayer Described” which tel about his opinion in fiqh about the manner of prayer according to The Prophet and stated his opinion by hadeeth. The other example is about his book titled “The Jilbaab of the Muslim Woman” who stated his opinion about clothes for Muslim woman.

After his knowledge is spread around the world, Shaykh accepted many student to learn his taught, especially in hadeeth science. Event after his death, several his students establish a foundation and to continue Shaykh effort in Islamic Science.

Some people says that al-Albani write more than 300 books and manuscripts at his life. Delivered many lecture and recorded in cassette. Some of his books are:

Even in Maktaba Syameelah, one of the well-known Arabic collection of scholars, there are one special place to list all the book of Shaykh al-Albani. 

Conclusion

Shaykh al-Albani, is one of the prominent scholar who mainly noted in Hadeeth science, his effort in hadeeth spread around the world by his books, lecturer and his student until know.  His effort in sorting of several books of hadeeth is masterpiece which left to us. May Allah grant him into The Firdaus.


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