HABIB ABD AL-QADIR
AL-SAQQAF
A scholar, spiritual guide and caller to Allah whose life was distinguished by knowledge, mercy and service.
Raised Upon
Qur'an & Sacred Knowledge
Habib Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf was born in Say'un, Hadramawt, in 1331 AH / 1912, into a household renowned for scholarship, devotion and calling people to Allah.
His father, Habib Ahmad bin Abd al-Rahman al-Saqqaf, gave particular attention to his spiritual and scholarly upbringing. From an early age, the Qur'an occupied a central place in his life, and he memorised it while still young.
He went on to study with some of the eminent scholars of Hadramawt, receiving sacred knowledge within the scholarly tradition that had shaped generations before him.
From Student
to Teacher
Among those from whom he benefited were the Mufti of Hadramawt, Habib Abd al-Rahman bin Ubaydullah al-Saqqaf, Habib Muhammad bin Hadi al-Saqqaf and other leading scholars of his age.
His ability and learning became apparent while he was still young. He began teaching publicly in Say'un, and students gathered to benefit from his knowledge and guidance.
What emerged was a scholarship inseparable from character: knowledge accompanied by humility, devotion and concern for the spiritual condition of others.
Beyond the Valleys
of Hadramawt
In 1393 AH / 1973, amid increasing pressure upon scholars in South Yemen, Habib Abd al-Qadir left his homeland. His journey eventually brought him to the Hijaz, where he settled in Jeddah.
His home became a place of knowledge, remembrance and companionship. Scholars, students and visitors came through its doors, each finding a gathering centred upon Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
His da'wah also carried him beyond the Hijaz. Through travel and personal encounters, he maintained connections with scholars and Muslim communities across different parts of the world.
A Heart Concerned
for Others
One of the qualities remembered most strongly in Habib Abd al-Qadir was his concern for people. Those who approached him with difficulties found someone willing to listen, assist and serve.
Even hostility did not easily change the manner in which he treated others. Those who had previously opposed him could later find themselves welcomed and honoured when they came to him.
“If someone comes to me in need, I cannot relax until I have done everything I can to fulfil his need.”
His approach reflected a principle that appeared throughout his life: the believer's relationship with Allah should be visible in the mercy and responsibility shown towards His creation.
Wealth Passed
Through His Hands
An account from his life tells of a businessman placing a large sum of money in his hands. Habib Abd al-Qadir did not keep it.
He travelled through Jeddah directing the money towards widows and others whose needs were known to him. Within hours, the money had been distributed.
Nearness to Allah
Through Taqwa
His counsel brought together the inward journey of the heart and the outward responsibilities of everyday life.
Purification
Guard the heart and limbs from disobedience, seeking inward and outward purity.
Worship
Draw near to Allah through prayer, remembrance, obedience and sincere dependence upon Him.
Responsibility
Fulfil the rights of parents, family, neighbours and the wider community.
The servant approaches his Lord recognising his own weakness, seeking His assistance and standing humbly at His door.
A Love That Began
in Childhood
The Qur'an had been placed at the centre of his upbringing, and that relationship remained constant throughout his life.
Even with the demands of teaching, travel, visitors and service, he maintained a remarkable attachment to its recitation.
In his later years illness restricted his movement, but it did not sever his connection with those who came seeking knowledge, counsel and companionship.
19 RABI' AL-THANI 1431 AH
Before Fajr on 4 April 2010, Habib Abd al-Qadir al-Saqqaf returned to his Lord, shortly before reaching a century of life.
His funeral prayer was performed in al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and he was laid to rest in the Ma'la Cemetery.
From the House of
the Prophet ﷺ
His lineage descends through the great Imams of the Prophetic Household and the Ba 'Alawi tradition, generation after generation.
رضي الله عنه
May Allah Ta'ala elevate the maqam of the noble Imam, increase him eternally in His pleasure and proximity, and pour upon his resting place the expanses of His mercy, light and divine favour.
May Allah grant us immense benefit from his knowledge, anwar, barakah and sirr, and grant our hearts a portion of the ma'rifah, sincerity, adab and attachment to Allah that adorned the lives of His awliya.
May He purify our hearts, strengthen our connection to the righteous, increase us in love for His Beloved ﷺ and his noble family, and gather us in the company of those upon whom He has bestowed His special grace.