Abdul Latif al-Subki
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Abdul Latif al-Subki | |
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| Born | September 18, 1896 Sabk al-Dahhak, Al-Bajur district, Monufia Governorate, Egypt |
| Died | March 31, 1969 (aged 72) |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Alma mater | Al-Azhar University |
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Abdul Latif Muhammad Musa al-Subki (Arabic: عبد اللطيف محمد موسى السبكي; 18 September 1896 – 31 March 1969) was an Egyptian Islamic scholar and jurist. He served as the final head of the Hanbali school at Al-Azhar University and was a senior member of the Assembly of Senior Scholars. He is known for issuing a notable fatwa on Palestine in 1948 and for his extensive scholarly contributions to Islamic jurisprudence, Quranic studies, and education.[1]
Early life and education
Al-Subki was born on 18 September 1896 (5 Rabi al-Thani 1314 AH) in the village of Sabk al-Dahhak, Al-Bajur district, Monufia Governorate, Egypt. His nisba, "al-Subki", refers to his place of birth.[1] From an early age, he memorized the Quran and showed strong aptitude for Islamic sciences. He later enrolled at Al-Azhar University and received the ʿĀlimiyya degree (equivalent to a PhD) in 1923 (1342 AH).[1]
Academic career
Teaching positions
In 1925, al-Subki was appointed a teacher at the Zagazig Religious Institute, where he taught subjects including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and history.[2] In 1935, he became a professor at the College of Islamic Law at Al-Azhar University. He returned to teaching in 1951 following a period of administrative appointments.
Administrative roles
Al-Subki held several senior roles within Al-Azhar's religious administration. In 1935, he joined the Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee under Grand Imam Mustafa al-Maraghi. In 1947, he was appointed Inspector-General of Religious and Arabic Sciences at Al-Azhar. He later served as Chairman of the Fatwa Committee in 1964 and was the last official head of the Hanbali school at Al-Azhar.[3]
Other positions
He was also a member of the Assembly of Senior Scholars (appointed in 1952), a contributor to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and editor-in-chief of Majallat al-Azhar. He chaired the Committee for the Revival of Islamic Heritage and served on the editorial board of the Nasser Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence in 1963.[1]
Scholarly contributions
Al-Subki authored numerous works in Quranic studies, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and social thought.
Quranic studies
- In the Gardens of the Quran – a treatise on Quranic sciences - Fragrances of the Quran – a three-volume thematic tafsir - Research on Quran Translation (co-authored with Sheikh Issa Munun)
Jurisprudence and theology
- History of Islamic Legislation (collaborative) - Principles of Hanbali Jurisprudence - Documentation in Transactions: Between Sharia and Law - The Prophets' Depiction in Theater and Cinema – a critique of anthropomorphism - In the Shadows of the Kaaba – a legal and historical analysis - Divine Revelation to Prophet Muhammad – a 199-page monograph
Historical and social writings
- Memoirs in History – covering Ottoman to Khedival Egypt - Selected from Sahih Language (with Sheikh Muhyi al-Din Abdul Hamid) - Cooperation in Islam – exploring social and political dimensions - The Prophetic Migration: Causes and Consequences
His educational writings were widely circulated, including his textbook Readings for Religious Institutes, used in the 1950s.
Public engagement
Al-Subki contributed regularly to newspapers such as Al-Ahram and Islamic periodicals. He frequently participated in public debates, including with figures like Abbas Mahmoud al-Aqqad. In the 1960s, he appeared on radio and television religious programs and lectured at international Islamic conferences.[2]
1948 fatwa on Palestine
In 1948, al-Subki issued a widely cited fatwa following the establishment of Israel. The ruling:
- Declared the creation of Israel religiously invalid
- Classified Palestinian resistance as a communal obligation (fard kifaya)
- Called upon Muslim states to support Arab armies
- Established Al-Azhar’s official position on the issue
The fatwa was endorsed by leading scholars from all four Sunni madhhabs and became influential in shaping religious discourse on the conflict.[4]
Death and legacy
Al-Subki passed away on 31 March 1969 (12 Muharram 1389 AH) while working on his final book, Al-Quds (Jerusalem), at his home in Cairo. He was buried in his native village in Monufia. He is remembered as the last classical Hanbali authority of Al-Azhar and a prominent figure in 20th-century Islamic scholarship.[1]
References
External links
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