Sheikh Abu Ishaq Al-Huwaini, whose full name is Hijazi Muhammad Yusuf Sharif, was a prominent Egyptian scholar and muhaddith (hadith expert), considered one of the leading figures of the Salafi scholarly tradition in Egypt. He was born on June 10, 1956, in the village of Huwayn, affiliated with the Bila district in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, from which he derived his nickname “Al-Huwaini.” He passed away on March 17, 2025, as announced by his son Hatim Al-Huwaini, after a struggle with illness, at the age of 69.
Early Life and Education:
Sheikh Al-Huwaini grew up in a modest rural environment in a middle-class farming family. From a young age, he displayed a passion for religious knowledge and Arabic literature, avidly reading classical works by authors like Mustafa Lutfi Al-Manfaluti and Al-Rafi’i. He began his early education in his village, completing primary, preparatory, and secondary stages in Kafr El-Sheikh. After high school, he moved to Cairo to live with his brother, where he embarked on his religious journey under the influence of Sheikh Abdul Hamid Kishk. He enrolled in the Faculty of Al-Alsun at Ain Shams University, studying Spanish and graduating with distinction. He was sent on a scholarship to Spain but returned after two months due to discomfort with the religious violations he observed there. Upon his return, he grew his beard and dedicated himself fully to Islamic studies.
Scholarly and Da’wah Career:
Al-Huwaini studied under several prominent scholars, most notably Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin Al-Albani, who greatly influenced his approach to hadith studies. He was also impacted by scholars like Abdullah ibn Jibreen, Muhammad Najib Al-Muti’i (who taught him fiqh principles and Sahih Al-Bukhari), and Abdul Fattah Al-Jazzar (who instructed him in Arabic language). The Sheikh was distinguished by his powerful oratory style and his emphasis on evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah, making him a key figure in the scholarly Salafi movement, which focuses on teaching hadith and tafsir while steering clear of direct political engagement.
He delivered lessons and lectures in numerous mosques across Egypt, most notably the Sheikh Al-Islam Mosque in his hometown, where he preached two Friday sermons monthly. With the rise of religious satellite channels, he became a frequent guest on stations like “Al-Nas” (in the program “Fadfada”), “Al-Rahma,” and “Al-Nada,” which he supervised, focusing on explaining hadiths and addressing matters of creed.
Works and Publications:
Sheikh Al-Huwaini devoted his life to writing, compiling, and authenticating manuscripts. Among his most notable works are:
– **”Ghawth Al-Makdud fi Takhrij Muntaqa Ibn Al-Jarud”**: Praised by Al-Albani as “valuable.”
– **”Al-Nafila fi Al-Ahadith Al-Da’ifa wa Al-Batila”**: Published in two volumes.
– **”Kashf Al-Makhbu’ bi Thubut Hadith Al-Tasmiya ‘ind Al-Wudu’”**.
– **”Nahi Al-Sahaba ‘an Al-Nuzul bil-Rukba”**.
– **Manuscript Authentications**: Such as “Al-Arba’un Al-Sughra” by Al-Bayhaqi and “Al-Ba’ath” by Abdullah ibn Abi Dawud.
Influence and Praise from Scholars:
Renowned scholars praised his contributions. Al-Albani said, “What is valid for you is not valid for others,” while Abdul Aziz Al-Rajhi described him as “the Muhaddith of Egypt.” Mashhur Hasan Al-Salman called him “one of the firmly grounded in hadith,” and Muhammad Hussein Ya’qub remarked, “How the people of innovation burn when they hear your name.” His profound knowledge and accessible teaching style left a significant impact on both students of knowledge and the general public.
Later Life and Passing:
In his final years, Sheikh Al-Huwaini faced recurring health challenges, including a stroke he suffered in Qatar, which led to his hospitalization in critical condition. He passed away on March 17, 2025, corresponding to 17 Ramadan 1446 AH, leaving behind a vast scholarly and da’wah legacy in the Islamic world.
Conclusion:
Sheikh Abu Ishaq Al-Huwaini was a symbol of the scholarly Salafi movement, distinguished by his dedication to spreading the Sunnah and authenticating hadiths. His efforts left a lasting mark on Egypt and beyond, influencing religious circles with his extensive knowledge and impactful legacy.