Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho - Part Two: His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al'lah

By Mohammad Amin Sheikho and A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

Mohammad Amin Sheikho.
Birth: 1890 A.D.
Death: 1964 A.D.
Precept: Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an.

Early Years
Scholar Sheikho was born in al-Ward district in Sarouja Quarter, one of the historical districts of Damascus, in Syria which was called mini-Istanbul during the period of the Ottoman rule. He was raised in an Arab style house situated opposite the famous public al-Ward Bathhouse. This house stands there to the present day.
Scholar Sheikho was still young when his father, the merchant Ismael Sheikho, departed this world. Mohammad Saleem, the only and elder brother of Mohammad Amin, was assigned as a director of the Military School during the Ottoman rule.

Education
At the age of twelve the boy who was to become the great scholar was enrolled at al-Rashidiya School, he then went on to complete his studies in Amber, the Royal Ottoman Faculty in Damascus. He received many certificates of praise and commendation during the Ottoman rule and then under the reign of King Faisal in Syria. There are many copies of these certificates still preserved in trustworthy hands.

One of His Pupils
Professor A. K. John, alias al-Dayrani is the best known and most distinguished among the pupils of Scholar Sheikho. He received a certificate of General Education (a Syrian certificate which included the study of nine different sciences). Prof. al-Dayrani collected and verified more than fifty books which were dictated by Scholar Sheikho and written on his behalf. Therefore his name is always mentioned in association with the name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho.

A Glimpse of his distinguished thoughts and views
He disclosed the true meaning of the letters (acronyms) that are reported at the beginning of the Fortresses of the Holy Qur’an, which was not understood by previous Muslim scholars and said that, “Al’lah knows best His Purpose behind them.”
He disproved the stories which are ascribed wrongly to the noble Envoy Mohammad (cpth), such as the story of his being affected by the action of magic, the story of cutting his noble chest (cpth), and all that would put him (cpth) in the wrong.
He elucidated that the noble Prophets are impeccable in all of their words, actions and deeds.
- He was the first in the world to reveal the source of fresh spring and river water, which is the ice of the North and South Poles.
- He gave an exact definition of the ‘human spirit’ and clarified the difference between that and the ‘soul’.
- He differentiated between the ‘mind’ and ‘thought’
- He talked about al-Azal world, the very beginning of creation in the world of immaterial spirits, and demonstrated the Godly Justice in that world and the reason for the coming of mankind to this world.
- He elucidated the wisdom in turning towards al-ka’ba when communicating with God (praying); he explained the reason for fasting and the meaning of the Night of al-Qadr (Evaluation) and how to attain it.
- He interpreted from the noble Qur’an how to derive the proportion of Zakat (almsgiving).

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookRix
• Release date: Dec 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9783736836648

Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Mohammad Amin Sheikho (1890-1964 A.D / 1308-1384 A.H)Early YearsM. Amin Sheikho was born in al-Ward district in Sarouja Quarter, one of the historical districts of Damascus, in Syria which was called mini-Istanbul during the period of the Ottoman rule. He was raised in an Arab style house situated opposite the famous public al-Ward Bathhouse. This house stands there to the present day.M. Amin Sheikho was still young when his father, the merchant Ismael Sheikho, departed this world. Mohammad Saleem, the only and elder brother of Mohammad Amin, was assigned as a director of the Military School during the Ottoman rule.EducationAt the age of twelve the boy who was to become the great scholar was enrolled at al-Rashidiya School, he then went on to complete his studies in Amber, the Royal Ottoman Faculty in Damascus. He received many certificates of praise and commendation during the Ottoman rule and then under the reign of King Faisal in Syria. There are many copies of these certificates still preserved in trustworthy hands.AchievementsDuring the period of the Turkish rule, he was head of many police-stations in Damascus and its dependent counties. He was a shining example to all for his unfailing attention to duty, the vitality with which he approached every task, and the high level of achievement in many varied deeds which were of great benefit to mankind.During the French mandate he was appointed a director of the prisons of the citadel of Damascus.When the great Syrian uprising took place against the French forces, he helped the revolutionaries in every conceivable way until they placed the seal of the revolution in his trustworthy hands. Due to his subversive activities he fell foul of the French governor of Syria resulting in an order being issued for his execution; but the Almighty God saved him. During this period he was compliant in many attempts to overthrow French rule.He was the companion of Sheikh Amin Kuftaro for almost twenty years and following his death M. Amin Sheikho followed his footsteps and became the next in succession to guide and teach the disciples of the eminent sheikh.His assemblies were distinguished by the profound level of wisdom with which he imparted his teaching and guidance.He took great care to draw the attention of his followers to beware of the tales of the Israelites which defame the biography of the noble persons, the Envoys of God (pth), and of anything ascribed to them which conflicts their perfection and impeccability.In 1953, the famous coeval philosopher, Sir John Godolphin Bennett came from Britain to visit him. He remained in his company for three weeks that were filled with lengthy dialogues about the religion of Islam and its actuality.Sir John asked M. Amin Sheikho many questions about the exact definition of the ‘spirit’ and the difference between that and the ‘soul’, as well as asking for clarification about Godly Justice, a topic which he found difficult to comprehend. As a result of this visit, Sir John practised Islamic legislation and performed the prayers along with the followers of the scholar.This visit was referred to briefly in the autobiography of Sir John Bennett in his book Witness; but after his death, a book containing special personal recollections written by Sir John was published in 1975 under the title Journeys in Islamic Countries, wherein he spoke in detail about this meeting. In this book he gave a detailed account of the personality and character of M. Amin Sheikho, and of his lectures and disciples. He also mentioned the great benefits he had derived from his life-changing meeting with him.During his lectures M. Amin Mohammad Amin Sheikho pointed frequently to the belief in the return of Jesus Christ (pth), from the Islamic perspective. He also indicated the near advent of this significant world event as, according to his explanations, most of the conditions for this momentous Hour had been fulfilled.This was disclosed in his book: The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: the Return of Jesus Christ.In referring to his meeting with M. Amin Sheikho, Sir John made mention of this issue in his two books: Witness and Journeys in Islamic Countries.Professor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani, published the book Stories of M. Amin Sheikho wherein he writes in detail about many deeds performed by his teacher, Mohammad Amin Sheikho.One of His PupilsProfessor Abdul-Kadir John, alias al-Dayrani is the best known and most distinguished among the pupils of M. Amin Sheikho. He received a certificate of General Education (a Syrian certificate which included the study of nine different sciences). Prof. al-Dayrani collected and verified more than fifty books which were dictated by M. Amin Sheikho and written on his behalf. Therefore his name is always mentioned in association with the name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho.PublicationsM. Amin Sheikho dictated to his pupils many books about Islam in the Arabic language, some of which have been translated into English and French. The following are just some of these:1- Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (Lights of Descending & Realities of Meaning)2- Interpretation of Am’ma Section of the Qur’an3- Impeccability of Prophets4- Am’ma Encyclopedia (The Compassionate’s Gifts in Interpreting the Qur’an)5- Al-Amin Interpretation of the Great Qur’an (The Previous Nations)6- Visiting the Prophet (cpth) and the Effect of His Love in Elevating the Believing Spirit7- High Grades of Al-Taqwa (Seeing by Al’lah’s Light)—The Jewels of Rules in Explaining the Pillars of Islam8- The Sources of Spring Water in the World9- The Reality of Our Master Mohammad (cpth) Appearing in the Twentieth Century10- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter)11- Islam... What is the Veil for? What is Divorce for? What is Polygamy for?12- The West has Liberated Man from Slavery—Did Islam not do the same?13- The Great Scientific Discovery—the Astonishing Reality of the Six Days and the Seven Heavens14- The Amazing Miracle of the Fundamental Verses of the Book in the Twenty-first Century15- Cupping: the Marvelous Medicine that Cures Heart Disease, Paralysis, Haemophilia, Migraine, Sterility and Cancer—A Prophetic Medical Science in its New Perspective16- The Reality of Tamerlane the Great Appears in the Twenty-first Century17- The Envoy of Peace Looms on the Horizon: The Return of Jesus Christ18- Secrets of the Seven Praising Verses19- Goodbye to the Doctor of al-Muqawqis (Cyrus, Patriarch of Alexandria)Radio and TV Programmes- Illuminative Speculations: al-Quds Radio Station broadcasting from Syria- Lights for Humankind: the Lebanese Radio Station al-Tawheed- Cupping, an Arabic Discovery Spreads All over the World and Cupping, a Prophetic Medical Science in Its New Scientific Perspective: Two documentary films which have been broadcast on many world satellite stations such as Iqraa TV, Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter): A documentary film that has been broadcast on Iqraa TV, and satellite stations in Al-Sharjah, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and others- The Descent of the Prophets: A computer programmeA Glimpse of his distinguished thoughts and viewsHe disclosed the true meaning of the letters (acronyms) that are reported at the beginning of the Fortresses of the Holy Qur’an, which was not understood by previous Muslim scholars and said that, “Al’lah knows best His Purpose behind them.”He disproved the stories which are ascribed wrongly to the noble Envoy Mohammad (cpth), such as the story of his being affected by the action of magic, the story of cutting his noble chest (cpth), and all that would put him (cpth) in the wrong.He elucidated that the noble Prophets are impeccable in all of their words, actions and deeds.- He was the first in the world to reveal the source of fresh spring and river water, which is the ice of the North and South Poles.- He gave an exact definition of the ‘human spirit’ and clarified the difference between that and the ‘soul’.- He differentiated between the ‘mind’ and ‘thought’.- He talked about al-Azal world, the very beginning of creation in the world of immaterial spirits, and demonstrated the Godly Justice in that world and the reason for the coming of mankind to this world.- He elucidated the wisdom in turning towards al-ka’ba when communicating with God (praying); he explained the reason for fasting and the meaning of the Night of al-Qadr (Evaluation) and how to attain it.- He interpreted from the noble Qur’an how to derive the proportion of Zakat (almsgiving), and determined it as 2.5%.- He revealed the wisdom folded in each ritual of the rites of pilgrimage.- He clarified the benefits of the medical Prophetic commandments about using an enema of amylum suspension, medicinal castor oil, and the application of leeches for medical purposes.- He called attention to certain eminent personalities who had been wronged by history. Specifically he spoke of Tamerlane the famous conqueror who is known to be a blood-thirsty warrior conqueror in the Middle East, while Asian peoples revere him and regard him as a holy man who had spread the religion of Islam in their countries. In this respect, a book was issued by M. Amin Sheikho under the title: The Reality of Tamerlane the Great.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and CuppingThe name of Mohammad Amin Sheikho is always referred to whenever ‘cupping’ is mentioned, for it is he who disclosed its correct rules. Following the death of M. Amin Sheikho his pupil, Prof. Abdul-Kadir al-Dayrani undertook scientific research about this operation with the participation of a large medical team composed of many professors and doctors specialised in various medical ailments. When the results of the analysis of the blood extracted by the cupping operation were declared and many patients were healed completely after being cupped, the procedure soon spread widely and had a wide following in many societies. The results were published in many magazines and journals, and as a result, many medical people began to apply the procedure according to the exact and correct conditions that had been laid down.Mohammad Amin Sheikho and the reason for Mentioning the Name of Al’lah over a CarcassHe emphasised the necessity of mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over animals as they are being slaughtered, for when they hear Al’lah’s Name their meat becomes pure and free of any microbes.Prof. al-Dayrani also subjected the ideas of his teacher, M. Amin Sheikho, in this field, to a scientific study. A great number of doctors and university professors carried out scientific research, the like of which had never been attempted before. They took many samples of the meat of cattle, some of which were slaughtered while mentioning Al’lah’s Name aloud over them, while others were slaughtered without the benefit of this blessing. A comparative analysis of the outcome was then carried out. The results of this study were also published in a book issued on behalf of M. Amin Sheikho, entitled, Proclaiming God’s Love (The Scientific and Qur’anic Motivations for Halal Slaughter.Mrs. Salma Estwani, the BBC correspondent in Syria at that time, announced the scientific results of this study and interviewed the doctors and researchers who carried it out.Also, after revealing these results, many signboards were posted in Damascus streets on which it was written, ‘How terrible! Is it true that we Syrians eat microbes through our food?’ And on the front of the citadel of Damascus, a large sign was displayed on which was printed: ‘The Great Syrian Humane Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho.’

Book preview

Title page

Stories of the Scholar Mohammad Amin Sheikho

Part Two

His Life, His Deeds, His Way to Al’lah

(1890-1964)

§§§§§

Checked and Introduced by

Prof. A. K. John Alias Al-Dayrani

§§§§§

Copyright © Amin-sheikho.com

The Only Man for a Difficult Assignment

This story takes us back a little to the time when Mr. Mohammad Amin had just completed his studies at Amber College. Having newly graduated as a security officer, he was assigned to his first official task in confronting crime.

How would he react? Would he succeed? Would good triumph over evil?

Let us relive this critical time with Officer Mohammad Amin and see how he conducted himself when faced with the dangers of this, his first important duty.

In a certain district of Damascus, a group of Kurds had arrived and set up residence. They took over a substantial area which they established as their home and went to build their houses. At that time many of them were united behind their mighty, autocratic leader who was an indomitable criminal.

They, in their perverted view, held him in high esteem and would always rally around him against all attempts made by the Ottoman State to curb the crimes committed by that arch criminal in its endeavours to wipe out corruption in that region.

The region we are talking of is marked by its mountainous terrain, dotted with caves which provide ample hiding places for all who might need them. Every inch of its landscape is well-known to these criminals for they had made this land their home and had become accustomed to the mountain and its harshness.

The Ottoman authorities had sent army troops to kill the Kurdish leader, but they knew nothing about the region, nor did they have any idea about its caves and rough and difficult terrain. They were unfamiliar with the harshness of the mountains and if they were to chase the Kurds they would need to be as agile and nimble as mountain goats that easily climb and descend this type of terrain, as indeed were the Kurds. The army found itself at a serious disadvantage as its soldiers could gain no ground in their pursuit of this criminal, especially when his band of loyal followers would rush to his aid and defend him whenever he came under attack by the armed force. Day by day, the criminal’s confidence grew, and his evil and criminal acts grew along with his confidence until the Ottoman State no longer knew what further action they should take to apprehend this criminal. Thus, the high commander of the army left no stone unturned in his quest to find a solution to the problem since his own reputation was at stake, and the state itself was under threat.

It seems inconceivable that this villain might continue to outwit the high commander of the Turkish army despite the impressive resources at his disposal.

He studied the case carefully and became lost in his thoughts until, suddenly, an idea came to him. ‘I’ve got it!’ he exclaimed to himself. ‘I’ll entrust this case to that young officer who proved to be far superior to all his peers in the Royal Military Faculty. Without a doubt he’s the best man to tackle this problem and take down this felon.’ The commander had seen great potential in the Arab cadet Mr. Mohammad Amin, even before his graduation from Amber College. His skills in planning and management, his conduct, courage and bravery, added to other excellent attributes, had made him stand out head and shoulders above his peers.

He sent for the cadet without further delay, and the young officer came with a face alight with his hope and aspirations for the future. The newly graduated officer saluted his commander and said, ‘Commandant, I am reporting to you as requested.’

‘Please have a seat’, the commander replied. The young officer sat and listened to his commanding officer, who continued by setting out the problem he was faced with: ‘I believe that you have heard about the criminal leader of the Kurds in Damascus? You must be aware of the Kurdish Quarter and the criminal disturbance and trouble that these people cause. Of course, the source of all that misery is the lawless leader of the group; he’s as venomous as a snake. He’s killed dozens of men, destroyed people’s lives and families, turned wives into widows and made their children fatherless. Many times we have tried to get rid of him, but we have failed, so we want to get rid of him at any cost: dead or alive. All we care about is to save good people from any further suffering at his hands. So, as a senior commander, I have put your name forward for this important mission. You can have as many soldiers as you need, a squadron of the army will be at your disposal if you wish. So what do you say, Officer?’

Officer Sheikho replied, ‘I would like to think about this, Commandant. Please give me some time.’

‘You have it,’ the commander replied, ‘but please reach your decision without delay because we are facing an extremely difficult situation.’ The young officer left the room, racking his brain to make sense of what had been put to him, and analysing the request carefully.

He wondered: ‘Is it justifiable to kill this criminal? Would this action be pleasing to God? He is a felon; he has killed many men and plundered so many times. Should he be killed under God’s Law? I think that I should ask religious scholars their opinion about this matter.’

He spoke with many men of the cloth and asked each of them, ‘Oh Sheikh! There is a criminal in the Kurd’s Quarter. He has killed dozens of men and the families of their victims are distraught. His crimes get worse with every day that passes. Should he die for this? And would it please God if he were to be killed?’

One of these sheikhs answered him, ‘Oh my son! If he had killed just one person unjustly it would be lawful to put him to death. God says, And We ordained therein for them: life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.[1]Since you say that he has killed dozens of men, killing him is admissible under God’s Law, and the man who kills him will be rewarded in full for his action.’

To be absolutely certain of any action he might take Amin Bey2 [2]consulted many other scholars and they all gave similar replies, which made it far easier for him to take a decision. He thought, ‘All the scholars I have spoken to are unanimous. They say that killing him is allowed, and in fact I would get a great reward from God if I did. So, this task is mine. I will save people from his crimes, with God’s Permission.’ He took himself directly to the senior commander and said to him, ‘Sir! I am ready to undertake this mission.’

The commander swelled with pride and great relief for Mohammad Amin was the only officer he could trust to carry out this mission. He addressed the young officer, saying, ‘Now, my brave, compassionate officer, you may choose whichever police officers and soldiers that you need. They are ready to do your bidding and for you to command as you see fit.’

Surprisingly the courageous young officer replied, ‘I need only eight men, sir. But I want to choose them myself.’

Astonished, the commander said, ‘Are you sure? I’ve told you before that we have already employed large squadrons of well trained and fully armed men to track down this criminal, and even they had no success. Their efforts came to nothing. So, how can you say that you need only eight men? Have you really thought this through? Be fully aware, officer, that you will come up against many, tough, able- bodied men in those mountains, not just one criminal. Most of them are armed and share their leader’s goals and they will immediately rush to help him. I’ve told you before and now I’m saying it again, take as many of my men as you want. ’

‘Sir, I have considered this very carefully and I still say that I want only eight men – not more. So please set your mind at rest and leave this to me.’

Due to Officer Sheikho’s insistence, and concerned that the young man might have second thoughts and withdraw from the assignment, the commander realised he had no option but to agree