Draft:Sulaiman Al-Ruhaili

Sulaiman bin Salimullah bin Rajaa Allah bin Buti Al-Ruhaili is a prominent Islamic scholar from the Harb tribe. Born in the month of Rajab in 1386 AH, Al-Ruhaili has dedicated his life to the pursuit and dissemination of Islamic knowledge, particularly within the confines of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Early Life and Education

Al-Ruhaili was born, raised, and continues to reside in Medina. From a very young age, he was immersed in an environment of learning, attending the circles of notable scholars. By the age of six, he had already begun attending sessions led by Sheikh Al-Amin, Sheikh Umar Falata, and Sheikh Abu Bakr Al-Jaza’iri, among others. His father, a lover of knowledge and scholarly gatherings, ensured that Al-Ruhaili was frequently present at these sessions, fostering his early interest in Islamic studies.

Memorization of the Qur'an

At the age of six, Al-Ruhaili joined a local mosque to memorize the Qur'an under the tutelage of Sheikh Atik bin Jabir Al-Ruhaili. The program was overseen by Sheikh Rashid bin Atiq Al-Ruhaili. By the age of ten, Al-Ruhaili had completed his memorization of the Qur'an.

Formal Education

Despite initial resistance from school authorities who valued his proficiency in secular subjects, Al-Ruhaili's father insisted on his enrollment at the Islamic University of Medina. Al-Ruhaili began his studies at the university’s intermediate school, eventually progressing through its secondary school and into the College of Sharia. He excelled academically, often ranking first in his class. He studied under various esteemed scholars, including Sheikh Abdul Salam bin Salem Al-Suhaimi, Sheikh Saleh Al-Suhaimi, and Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi.

Academic and Teaching Career

Upon graduating from the College of Sharia, Al-Ruhaili was appointed as an instructor in the Department of Principles of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh). He was notably the first to teach the subject of legal maxims (Qawaid Fiqhiyya) at the university. Over the years, he has continued to teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing significantly to the academic community at the Islamic University of Medina.

Al-Ruhaili's doctoral thesis was on the shared principles between Usul al-Fiqh and legal maxims, supervised by Sheikh Omar Abdul Aziz. Despite Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s relocation to Umm Al-Qura University, he continued to mentor Al-Ruhaili, demonstrating a profound commitment to his student's success.

Scholarly Contributions

Al-Ruhaili has authored several works, some of which are published, while others remain manuscripts. Notable among his publications are:

1. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles (under publication)

2. Explanation of Al-Sa’di’s Poem on Legal Maxims (manuscript)

3. Explanation of the Book of Sales from Manar al-Sabeel (under publication)

4. Principles of Balancing Benefits and Harms

5. Issues in the Qur'an and Sunnah and Interpretations by Al-Razi in Al-Mahsul and Al-Ma'lum

6. Definitions of Legal Principles in the Fatwas of Ibn Taymiyyah

7. Issues of Command in Legal Principles Critiqued by Ibn Taymiyyah

8. Insights on the Book of Objectives in Al-Muwafaqat (under publication)

9. Ibn Taymiyyah’s Critique of Imposing Unbearable Obligations (under publication)

10. The Deviation of Youth: Means and Remedies

11. Understanding Fitnah (Trials)

Personal Life

Al-Ruhaili is married and a father of seven children, five of whom are sons. He describes himself as devoted to monotheism and living a life of piety and scholarship.

Academic and Administrative Roles

Throughout his career, Al-Ruhaili has held various academic and administrative positions, including:

- Professor in the Department of Usul al-Fiqh at the College of Sharia, Islamic University of Medina

- Lecturer at the doctoral level in the Department of Fiqh and at the master's level in Usul al-Fiqh

- Supervisor of numerous theses both within and outside the university

- Holder of the Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Chair for Fatwa and Its Regulations

- Participant in teaching at the Prophet's Mosque

- Former Chairman of various committees within the university

- Former Dean of Student Affairs at the Islamic University of Medina

- Member of the university's board and several high-level committees

- Speaker and lecturer in numerous seminars, conferences, and educational programs both within Saudi Arabia and internationally

Public Engagement

Al-Ruhaili is actively involved in public teaching and has delivered numerous lectures and courses domestically and abroad. His contributions to the Islamic scholarly community have been recognized through his participation in international programs such as the Visiting Scholar Program in the United States and various conferences in Kuwait and other countries.

Conclusion

Sheikh Sulaiman Al-Ruhaili’s life and work stand as a testament to his dedication to Islamic scholarship and education. His influence continues to shape the academic and religious landscape, promoting a return to the principles and methodologies of the Salaf (pious predecessors) in both knowledge and practice.