Shaykh Adib al-Kallas: Glimpses from His Life by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

This article draws on a SeekersGuidance seminar reflecting on the life, character, and scholarly legacy of the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, highlighting defining moments that exemplify his priorities, humility, reverence for the Sacred Law, and devotion to knowledge.

The Passing of His Brother and His Priorities

One of the most striking memories related to Shaykh Adib al-Kallas dates back to the passing of his brother, who died during the night in either 1998 or 1999. The following morning, classes continued as usual at the Shaykh’s home. An obituary notice was posted at the entrance, though it initially went unnoticed.

Inside, only one female student was present, studying with the Shaykh’s wife. After she finished, the lesson proceeded, lasting longer than usual. This was unusual, as his gatherings were typically well attended, with numerous students each reading from their respective texts.

Only upon leaving did it become clear why attendance had been so sparse: the obituary announced that the Shaykh’s brother had passed away the night before. Despite this personal loss, Shaykh Adib had conducted his morning classes without alteration.

The funeral took place in al-Badra’iyya, behind the Umayyad Mosque. Expectations were that many prominent scholars, such as Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq and the teachers of the Fatih Institute, would be present. However, although scholars attended, the Shaykh’s closest scholarly circle was notably absent.

It later became known that Shaykh Adib himself had instructed scholars and teachers not to attend the funeral if they had lessons scheduled before or after ‘Asr, whether at institutes, homes, or mosques. His reasoning was clear: seeking and teaching knowledge took precedence.

At the time, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq had a scheduled lesson at the Umayyad Mosque, which continued uninterrupted. When questioned, scholars explained that attendance at the funeral had been explicitly discouraged, even for senior figures.

Though Shaykh Adib was four years older than Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq, he consistently treated him with deference, acknowledging his earlier start in learning and his strength in jurisprudence. Yet on this occasion, Shaykh Adib emphasized that the priority was not the funeral—despite its proximity—but the continuity of sacred learning.

This incident epitomized Shaykh Adib’s unwavering commitment to knowledge: teaching continued despite personal grief, and students were protected from disruption so their learning would not suffer.

A Subtle Principle on Accountability

For nearly a year, a recurring theological question was raised during lessons: the fate of non-Muslims who never received the message of Islam. The question resurfaced repeatedly across different texts.

Shaykh Adib held the Maturidi position on the issue. At the time, some students approached the matter with a strong Ash‘ari inclination.

Eventually, Shaykh Adib articulated a principle so subtle and profound that senior scholars later requested it to be written down. He stated:

“We know decisively that the one who rejects will be eternally in the Hellfire. However, it is not decisively established what constitutes rejection in this context. So we do not busy ourselves with this, and we will not be asked about it.”

This statement reflected his intellectual precision and spiritual restraint, emphasizing accountability only where divine clarity exists.

The BADs and His Patience

Among the students were members of a radical group, methodical in study but poor in manners. In contrast to their conduct, Shaykh Adib’s character was marked by exceptional courtesy and patience. These students became informally known as the “BADs”—the Brethren Attitudinally Divergent.

Shaykh Adib kept a cassette recorder in front of him during lessons so students could conserve batteries, as rechargeable ones were unavailable in Syria at the time. On one occasion, after delivering a public lecture, attendees pointed out that the session had not been recorded. Though recording was normally the students’ responsibility, Shaykh Adib apologized, attributing the oversight to his own shortcomings, and offered to repeat the lecture. He then delivered the entire lecture again.

On another occasion, the same group repeated this situation after a logic class. Once again, Shaykh Adib apologized and repeated the full lesson, despite the students not taking notes either time. He did so without irritation or complaint.

This behavior illustrated the distinction between speaking about humility and living it. Shaykh Adib embodied humility in practice.

Reverence Before Legal Detail

Shaykh Adib’s reverence for the Sharia often took precedence over legal technicalities. There were questions he deliberately avoided answering in detail out of respect, even when he possessed full mastery of the subject.

One such example involved the question of whether ablution was required to touch a Quran case or a cassette containing Quranic recitation. When challenged with legal arguments, Shaykh Adib responded simply by asking, “When you press play, what do you hear?” The answer was obvious: the Quran.

He explained that this position was inherited from Shaykh Abu al-Yusr and emphasized that the Quran is the Word of Allah, deserving manners and veneration. He refrained from entering into technical fiqh debate, underscoring that in certain matters, reverence outweighs legal analysis.

The Doorkeeper Analogy

On one Eid day, Shaykh Adib apologized for not remembering everyone’s name and quietly served himself tea. Having met him in 1997 at the age of 77, students witnessed a man entirely devoid of pretension.

He once described himself as a doorkeeper, saying that a doorkeeper’s only duty is to open the door—not to question who enters or why. This metaphor perfectly encapsulated his character and approach to teaching.

The Kurdish Student and the Poem

A Kurdish student with a heavy accent often read long passages aloud, which tested the patience of others. Although Shaykh Adib preferred to read texts himself—even in his late seventies—he allowed this student to read due to his reluctance.

One day, the student presented a poem he had written, compiling issues where Ibn Sina opposed Ahl al-Sunna. Shaykh Adib praised it, reread it, and had it recorded. Due to the accent, he requested the written copy.

A week later, the Shaykh revealed that he had memorized the poem and distributed multiple copies among various books and individuals. Though the content was well known, Shaykh Adib honored the student’s effort and enthusiasm, nurturing his confidence rather than diminishing it.

Finishing a Book in the Dark

While studying Hashiyat al-Bajuri on the Sanusiyya, the class neared completion when the electricity went out. Despite minimal light, Shaykh Adib insisted on finishing the book that night.

At 78 years old, he refused assistance, stating, “I started it; I will finish it.” Eventually, he brought a loose lightbulb, sat on the floor beside it, and continued reading until the book was completed. He then immediately proposed beginning a new text, choosing a Maturidi work to balance prior Ash‘ari readings.

Even without electricity, he completed the entire text of al-Jawhara with visible joy, exemplifying his devotion to sacred learning.

In the Presence of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq

During a lesson by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq al-Halabi in the Umayyad Mosque, a class never interrupted, Shaykh Adib entered quietly and sat at the back on the floor, refusing a chair.

Despite being urged to come forward, he declined, stating that the student of knowledge must humble himself. After the lesson ended, students rushed to greet Shaykh Adib, but he redirected them, saying, “The cream is there. The cream is Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razzaq.”

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.