Abd al-Rahman al-Majdoub facts for kids

Sidi Abderrahman el Majdoub (Arabic: عبد الرحمان المجذوب) was a famous Moroccan poet and a wise spiritual teacher. He was born in March 1506 and passed away in May 1568. His full name was al-Shaykh Abu Zayd Abderrahman al-Majdoub ibn Ayyad ibn Yaacub ibn Salama ibn Khashan al-Sanhaji al-Dukkali. He was known as a Sufi mystic, someone who seeks a deep, personal connection with God. Many of his poems are still very popular across the Maghreb region of North Africa. His wise words have even become common proverbs, like "doubt is the beginning of wisdom."

His Life Story

Abderrahman was born in March 1506 in a small village called Tit, near Azemmour, Morocco. His family belonged to the Sanhaja Berber group. When he was two years old, in 1508, he moved with his father to Irgan, which is close to the city of Meknes.

He grew up in a spiritual home, learning about Sufism from a young age. His father was a student of Ibrahim Afham al-Zarhuni, who was himself a student of the famous teacher Ahmad Zarruq. Abderrahman began his studies in Meknes. Later, he traveled to Fez to continue his education.

In Meknes, he learned from many important teachers. These included Abu Ruwayin, Ahmad al-Shabih, and Umar al-Khattab al-Zarhuni. It was Umar al-Khattab al-Zarhuni who advised him to settle in the habt region. In Fez, he studied with teachers like Ali ibn Ahmad al-Sanhaji. He was very dedicated to his studies. He even memorized the entire Quran, the holy book of Islam, along with its ten different ways of recitation.

Abderrahman lived during an important time in Moroccan history. This was when the Saadi dynasty was rising to power. He saw the reigns of rulers like Mohammed al-Shaykh and Abdallah al-Ghalib. During this period, the Ottoman Empire was also growing strong in nearby Algeria and Tunisia.

His Amazing Poetry

For Abderrahman, poetry was more than just words. It was a way to talk about important topics. He wrote about political issues, good behavior (morals), and social problems. All his poems were collected in a book called a Diwan. This book shared his deep spiritual ideas about love, death, feelings, women, science, education, and religion.

His poetry has had a lasting impact on Moroccan society. Many of the wise sayings and proverbs used every day come from his poems. His words continue to teach and inspire people.

His Final Resting Place

Abderrahman passed away on May 26, 1568, in the Marshaqa village, located in the habt region. Before he died, he asked to be buried in Meknes. His wish was granted, and he was buried there on May 29, 1568. His tomb is near the Aissa gate. Later, the famous mausoleum of Moulay Ismail was built close by.

A dome was built over his tomb by his student, Abu l-Mahasin Yusuf al-Fasi. Today, Abderrahman's tomb is a special place. Many people visit it every day to pay their respects and remember his wisdom.