Summary of the Biography of the Scholar Abd al-Rahman ibn Nasir al-Sa’di
His Early Life
He is the prominent scholar Abu Abd Allah Abd al-Rahman bin Nasir bin Abd Allah bin Nasir al-Sa’di, known as Ibn Sa’di. He was born in the town of Unayzah in Al-Qassim on Muharram 12, 1307 AH / 1889 CE. He grew up an orphan but was raised in a righteous manner, distinguished by his intelligence and intense eagerness to learn. He memorized the Quran at the age of eleven, then sought knowledge from the scholars of his town and visiting scholars until he acquired a substantial share of every discipline of knowledge. He began teaching at the age of twenty-three, simultaneously learning and teaching. Among his most prominent students was Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah the Almighty have mercy on him.
His Knowledge and School of Thought
Sheikh al-Sa’di was distinguished by his comprehensive knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), both its fundamentals (Usul) and its branches (Furu’). He had a profound mastery of Quranic exegesis (Tafsir). He authored several books, the most famous of which are:
- Taysir al-Karim al-Rahman (His exegesis of the Quran)
- Al-Qawa’id al-Hissan li Tafsir al-Quran (The Fine Rules for Interpreting the Quran)
- Al-Qawl al-Sadid fi Maqasid al-Tawhid (The Sound Word concerning the Objectives of Monotheism)
- Taysir al-Latif al-Manan fi Khulasat Tafsir al-Quran (The Facilitation of the Kind and Bountiful in the Summary of Quranic Exegesis)
His ultimate objective in writing was to spread knowledge and call to the truth, so he distributed his books for free. He founded the National Library in Unayzah. He was nominated for a judgeship but declined out of scrupulous piety (Wara’), being keen not to take on any official governmental role so that he could fully devote himself to knowledge and his students. He served as the Imam and preacher at the Grand Mosque in Unayzah.
His Character and Morals
He—may Allah have mercy on him—possessed exceptional character. He was humble toward both young and old, rich and poor, displaying high levels of refinement, chastity, integrity, and firmness in all his affairs. He was described as one of the best teachers and the most eloquent in imparting understanding. All of his gatherings were beneficial due to knowledge; he constantly occupied them with study and discussion. He would always read the Quran with his students and interpret it extemporaneously, clarifying its meanings and benefits, and deriving lessons and insights from it to the extent that a listener would wish he never stopped due to his eloquence, the robustness of his wording, and his expansive use of proofs and narratives.
Whoever met him, studied under him, or debated with him recognized his vast knowledge. His students never grew tired of his speech; rather, they delighted in sitting with him and could scarcely bear to leave him out of their affection for his company.
His Death
After a life spanning nearly 69 years dedicated to the service of knowledge, Sheikh al-Sa’di passed away near dawn on the night of Thursday, Jumada al-Akhirah 23, 1376 AH / 1956 CE. May Allah have mercy on him, grant him His abundant grace, and reward him handsomely for the services he rendered to knowledge and its people.