Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali is a prominent Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar known for his conservative and often controversial views on various religious and political issues. Born in 1950 in the village of Al-Basr in the province of Al-Majma’ah, Saudi Arabia, Al-Hawali received his early education in traditional Islamic studies. He later pursued higher education at the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he studied under renowned scholars such as Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz and Sheikh Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen.
Al-Hawali’s time at the Islamic University of Madinah played a significant role in shaping his religious and intellectual outlook. He emerged as a leading figure among the Sahwa movement, also known as the Islamic Awakening, which advocated for a return to what its proponents viewed as the pure form of Islam practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
Throughout his career, Al-Hawali has authored numerous books and articles covering a wide range of topics, including theology, jurisprudence, and Islamic history. His writings often reflect his conservative interpretation of Islamic teachings, which sometimes puts him at odds with more moderate or liberal Muslim scholars.
One of Al-Hawali’s most notable works is “The Decline of the Islamic World and Its Causes,” in which he examines what he perceives as the factors contributing to the decline of Muslim societies and advocates for a return to Islamic principles as a solution to their problems. This book, along with others like “Muslims and the West,” has earned him both acclaim and criticism within the Islamic world.
Al-Hawali gained international attention in the 1990s for his outspoken criticism of the Saudi government’s close ties with the United States and its perceived abandonment of Islamic principles. He was briefly arrested in 1994 after co-signing a petition calling for political reforms in the kingdom. This incident marked a turning point in his relationship with the Saudi authorities and led to his dismissal from his position as a lecturer at the Islamic University of Madinah.
Despite facing pressure from the Saudi government, Al-Hawali continued to express his views through various means, including lectures, sermons, and online publications. His popularity among conservative Muslims grew, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which he viewed as part of a Western conspiracy against Islam.
In recent years, Al-Hawali has remained active in Islamic circles, advocating for what he sees as the true teachings of Islam and critiquing what he perceives as deviations from those teachings. He has also been vocal in his support for various Islamist movements across the Muslim world, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hamas in Palestine.
Despite his influence, Al-Hawali’s views have also sparked controversy and condemnation from some quarters, both within Saudi Arabia and beyond. Critics accuse him of promoting extremism and intolerance, particularly towards other religious groups and sects within Islam. His calls for a strict interpretation of Islamic law and his opposition to Western influence have led some to label him as a radical or extremist figure.
In conclusion, Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali is a prominent figure in the contemporary Islamic world, known for his conservative views and outspoken criticism of both Western powers and the Saudi government. While he commands a significant following among conservative Muslims, his views have also attracted criticism and controversy, highlighting the complex dynamics within contemporary Islamic thought.
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Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali, born in 1950 in the village of Al-Basr in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Majma’ah province, is a renowned Islamic scholar known for his conservative interpretations of Islamic teachings and his outspoken stance on various religious and political issues. His journey into scholarship began with traditional Islamic education in his youth, which laid the foundation for his later academic pursuits.
Al-Hawali’s academic trajectory led him to the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he studied under eminent scholars such as Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz and Sheikh Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen. His time at the university coincided with the rise of the Sahwa movement, also known as the Islamic Awakening, which sought to revive and reinvigorate Islamic practices and governance.
As a prominent figure within the Sahwa movement, Al-Hawali emerged as a prolific writer and speaker, addressing a wide range of theological, jurisprudential, and socio-political issues. His writings often reflect a deep concern for what he perceives as the decline of Islamic societies and a call for a return to the fundamentals of Islam as a remedy.
One of Al-Hawali’s seminal works, “The Decline of the Islamic World and Its Causes,” delves into the complex factors contributing to the perceived deterioration of Muslim societies and advocates for a revival of Islamic values and principles. This work, along with others like “Muslims and the West,” has cemented his reputation as a leading conservative voice within the Islamic world.
Al-Hawali’s outspoken criticism of the Saudi government’s policies, particularly its close alliance with the United States and perceived departure from Islamic principles, drew international attention in the 1990s. His involvement in a petition calling for political reforms in the kingdom led to his arrest in 1994 and subsequent dismissal from his position as a lecturer at the Islamic University of Madinah.
Despite facing adversity, Al-Hawali continued to disseminate his views through various platforms, including lectures, sermons, and online publications. His critiques of Western influence in the Muslim world, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, resonated with many who shared his concerns about the erosion of Islamic values.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Al-Hawali has been actively involved in supporting various Islamist movements across the Muslim world. He has voiced his support for organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hamas in Palestine, viewing them as legitimate resistance movements against perceived oppression and injustice.
However, Al-Hawali’s uncompromising stance on issues such as Sharia law and his opposition to secular governance have also drawn criticism from within and outside the Muslim community. Critics accuse him of promoting extremism and intolerance, particularly towards minority groups and dissenting voices within Islam.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Sheikh Safar Al-Hawali remains a significant figure in contemporary Islamic thought, influencing debates on matters of theology, politics, and societal norms. His legacy underscores the diversity of perspectives within the Islamic world and the ongoing quest to reconcile tradition with modernity in an ever-changing global landscape.