THE life and times of Bahraini judge and religious scholar Yousif bin Ahmed Alsiddiqi have been documented as a literary journey of admiration by his grandson Abdul Nasser Muhammad.
The 360-page book, entitled The Bio of Judge Yousif bin Ahmed Alsiddiqi, which took five years in the making, was recently launched at the Isa Cultural Centre (ICC) in the presence of VIPs, as well as family and friends.
“Having this book published is a dream come true as it’s something I have wanted to do for such a long time,” said the proud author.
“I was hesitant at first, but then the opportunity came along when the Isa Cultural Centre approached me and I’m truly grateful to them for making this happen.
“My grandfather was loved by all and considered a very wise man. He had close relations with the rulers of Bahrain from the days of Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to His Majesty the King.
“This book is an important piece of local history which will hopefully provide guidance and knowledge to our children and generations to come.”
The veteran judge grew up in Hidd and he was interested in religious studies from an early age. At the age of five he moved to Zallaq and was taught by his father Shaikh Ahmed and grandfather Shaikh Mohammed. At the age of 13, he moved to Al Ahsa in Saudi Arabia, where he continued his studies. After five years, he moved back to Zallaq where he was appointed as an imam.
He also attended Al Azhar University in Egypt where he studied for seven years and received a degree in Islamic Research. When he returned to Bahrain, he became the imam of the Gudaibiya Mosque and was hired as a teacher and went on to lead prayers in Sakhir.
He was appointed a Sharia judge from 1962 and continued in that capacity until 2009. He was a religious adviser to the Royal Family and represented the kingdom at different religious conferences, including a trip to Al Aqsa Mosque in the old city of Jerusalem.
Judge Yousif died aged 91 in 2010 and was described as ‘the’ Sharia judge for many years and was also a prolific writer in his own right, documenting and preserving Bahrain’s history.
Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh attended the book launch along with former Parliament Speaker Khalifa Al Dhahrani, adviser for religious and judicial affairs at the UAE Presidential Affairs Ministry Ali bin Al Sayed Abdulrahman Al Hashemi, as well as a group of clergymen and legislators.
“I was honoured to see my grandfather’s dear friends as well as members from the Alsiddiqi family from Bahrain and abroad,” added Mr Alsiddiqi.
“To add to the launch, there were even displays of different documents, manuscripts and journals from my grandfather’s library. Some dated back 230 years.
“They are treasures. My grandfather believed in preserving the kingdom’s history and his paperwork was passed on from generation-to-generation until it made its way to me.
“He was loved so very much and I just wanted to just tell his story. He was a generous man who represented the kingdom on many occasions and was a religious consultant to the Royal Family, as well as conducting marriages for them.”
The event started with a welcome speech from ICC vice chairman of board of trustees and executive director Shaikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, followed by a presentation by the author on what was featured in the book – from the judge’s continuing journey for knowledge to his passion for poetry and literature, as well as his interest in helping to preserve the country’s history and heritage.
“I hope whoever reads this book will love it and learn from it,” added Mr Alsiddiqi.
The book is free and will be distributed to individuals across the kingdom by ICC.
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