Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim
- Died
- -
- Born in
- Alexandria
Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim (b. 1371 AH / 1952 CE) is an Egyptian physician, preacher, and Islamic scholar based in Alexandria, recognized for his leadership within the contemporary Egyptian Salafi movement and his multi-volume study Awdat al-Hijab (The Return of the Hijab) .
Early Life and Education
Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ismail ibn Mustafa al-Muqaddim was born in Alexandria on 1 Dhu al-Qi‘dah 1371 AH (26 July 1952 CE) . He pursued both modern medical training and traditional Islamic education . He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBCh) from the Faculty of Medicine at Alexandria University, followed by a diploma in mental health from the High Institute of Public Health at the same institution, and undertook postgraduate studies in neurology and psychiatry . He also became a member of the World Islamic Association for Mental Health . In Islamic disciplines, he obtained a bachelor's degree (licence) in Islamic law from the Faculty of Sharia at Al-Azhar University . In Quranic recitation, his teachers included Muhammad Abd al-Halim Abd Allah, Muhammad Farid al-Nu‘man, and Usama Abd al-Wahhab .
Preaching and Activism
Al-Muqaddim grew up within the Alexandria branch of Ansar al-Sunna al-Muhammadiyya, which he joined in 1965 CE . In 1972 CE, he commenced his activities in Salafi preaching, subsequently bringing together prominent figures of the nascent Alexandria Salafi movement . In 1977 CE, he founded the "Salafi School" (al-Madrasa al-Salafiyya) in Alexandria .
He delivered regular instructional circles and sermons across numerous mosques in Alexandria, including Ibad al-Rahman, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Majd al-Islam, al-Fath al-Islami, Bakri, al-Miftah, and the Abu Hanifa mosque in Bulkley . His lectures covered Quranic exegesis, Hanbali jurisprudence, creed, and contemporary ideological movements, yielding over 1,500 recorded audio lessons . Al-Muqaddim traveled extensively to deliver lectures across Egyptian governorates, several Arab and European countries, and the United States .
Scholarly Contributions
Al-Muqaddim's intellectual output spans Islamic creed, ethics, jurisprudential rulings, and social issues facing contemporary Muslim societies . Among his most widely circulated writings is Awdat al-Hijab (The Return of the Hijab), an extensive multi-volume work that analyses the historical and legal dimensions of the Islamic veil and responds to Westernization campaigns . In the realm of spiritual self-rectification and character building, he authored Uluww al-Himma (Lofty Ambition), which explores the cultivation of high religious resolve and personal motivation . He also addressed contemporary polemics regarding Islamic reform movements in his treatise Khawatir Hawl al-Wahhabiyya (Thoughts on Wahhabism) .
Answer updated
List of Works
Awdat al-Hijab (The Return of the Hijab) is an extensive multi-volume work dedicated to the history, ideological controversies, and legal proofs surrounding the Islamic veil (hijab and niqab). Published across three distinct parts, it examines the modern phenomenon of Muslim women returning to religious dress against the background of Westernization campaigns and Islamic jurisprudence.
Usul Bila Usul (Principles Without Principles) is a theological treatise dedicated to refuting what are identified as unorthodox epistemic sources utilized by Sufi groups and claimants of Mahdism.
al-I‘lam bi-Hurmat Ahl al-‘Ilm wal-Islam (Notifying of the Inviolability of the People of Knowledge and Islam) is a contemporary treatise addressing the sanctity and honor of Islamic scholars and the prohibition of disparaging and slandering them.
Adillat Tahrim Halq al-Lihya (Evidence for the Prohibition of Shaving the Beard) is a legal treatise dedicated to establishing the prohibition of shaving the beard and the obligation of growing it according to Islamic law.
al-Lihya Limadha (The Beard: Why?) is a legal and devotional treatise on the obligation of growing the beard and the prohibition of shaving it in Islamic law.
Silsilat al-Iman wal-Kufr (The Series on Faith and Disbelief) is a theological work that examines the Islamic principles governing faith (iman), disbelief (kufr), and excommunication (takfir). Originating as a series of spoken lectures, it addresses foundational Sunni doctrines alongside classical and modern doctrinal deviations.
al-Siwak wa Sunan al-Fitra (The Tooth-Stick and the Traditions of Natural Disposition) is a treatise on Islamic hygiene practices, prophetic etiquette, and the legal rulings pertaining to personal grooming and purity.
Durus al-Shaykh Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim (Lessons of Shaykh Muhammad Ismail al-Muqaddim) is a collection of transcribed audio lectures, sermons, and educational study circles.
Khawatir Hawl al-Wahhabiyya (Thoughts on Wahhabism) is an Arabic treatise, published in 2008, that examines the reformist movement of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and refutes historical and theological misconceptions surrounding it.
Fiqh Ashrat al-Sa'a (The Understanding of the Signs of the Hour) is a contemporary treatise on Islamic eschatology focusing on the critical methodology and principles governing the interpretation of prophetic texts regarding the signs of the Hour and end-time tribulations.
Adhkar wa Adab al-Sabah wal-Masa (Remembrances and Etiquettes of Morning and Evening) is a concise devotional treatise compiling prophetic supplications, daily remembrances, and spiritual etiquettes prescribed for the morning and evening hours.
Basair fi al-Fitan (Insights into Tribulations) is a treatise written to provide guidance on understanding the nature of civil strife and spiritual tribulations (fitan) and delineating the lawful means of surviving them according to Islamic scripture.
Mahw al-Ummiyya al-Tarbawiyya (Eradicating Pedagogical Illiteracy) is a parenting and educational work based on an audio lecture series, addressing sound methods for raising and nurturing children.
Uluw al-Himma (High Aspiration) is a book on Islamic ethics, spiritual refinement, and personal drive. It examines the concept of lofty ambition (himma), its role in historical Islamic revival, the causes behind spiritual lethargy, and practical ways to cultivate steadfast resolve across various spheres of religious life.
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim (Exegesis of the Noble Quran) is a series of transcribed Quranic exegesis lessons centered on explaining the text of the Quran through a concise and structured commentary.
Limadha Nusalli (Why Do We Pray?) is a religious work addressing the virtues, spiritual significance, and central importance of ritual prayer (salah) in Islam. Originating as an educational lecture series, it seeks to remind believers why prayer was prescribed, how it shapes faith and everyday conduct, and the necessity of reviving awareness of its immense status and gravity.
Silsilat Ulu al-Himma (The Lofty Ambition Series) is an Islamic lecture series and work focused on the moral, spiritual, and intellectual cultivation of high resolve ('uluww al-himma) in Islam. Transcribed and published in book format under the title 'Uluww al-Himma, it examines the definition, significance, and practical manifestations of high aspiration in Islamic history and personal development.
Tabsir Uli al-Albab bi-Bidat Taqsim al-Din ila Qishr wa Lubab (Enlightening the Possessors of Intellect Regarding the Heresy of Dividing Religion into Husk and Core) is a treatise that refutes the notion of categorizing Islamic teachings into superficial "husks" (qishr) and essential "cores" (lubab). It responds to calls that dismiss outward religious practices and Sunnah observances as trivial formalities under the claim of prioritizing the inward essence of faith.
Aqidat al-Wala wal-Bara (The Creed of Loyalty and Disavowal) is a theological work expounding the Salafi doctrine of al-wala' wa-l-bara' (loyalty to God and the believers, and disavowal of disbelief and polytheism). The work frames this doctrine as a foundational pillar of faith and an inherent requirement of the Islamic testimony of faith.
Udu ila Khayr al-Hadi (Return to the Best Guidance) is an Islamic treatise dedicated to addressing seasonal deviations from the prophetic Sunnah that occur during the month of Ramadan. Completed in Alexandria on 4 Shaʿban 1425 AH (18 September 2004 CE), it compiles observations and correctives from classical and contemporary scholars of jurisprudence and hadith to highlight and rectify recurring worship practices that contravene the Sunnah.