Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi facts for kids
Al-Mursi Abu'l-'Abbas (born 1219 in Murcia, died 1287 CE) was a famous Sufi saint. He was born in Al-Andalus (which is now Spain) and later moved to Alexandria, Egypt. His full name was Shahab al-Din Abu'l-'Abbas Ahmad ibn 'Umar ibn Mohammad al-Ansari al-Mursi.
Al-Mursi Abu'l-'Abbas is known as one of the four main holy figures of Egypt. The other three are Ahmad al-Badawi, al-Dessouqi, and al-Haggag. He was so respected in Egypt that "Mursi" became a common name there.
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Early Life in Al-Andalus
Shahab was born in the city of Murcia in al-Andalus in the year 1219. His family was wealthy and worked in trade. He received a good education, especially in religious studies.
He helped his father in the family's trading business. Shahab was known for being very honest. He also gave a lot to people who needed help. In 1242, he left Spain with his family. They left because Christian rule was growing stronger in Spain, a time known as the Reconquista. His parents, unfortunately, did not make it to their destination, Tunisia.
Meeting a Great Teacher
In Tunisia, Shahab heard about a famous teacher named Shaykh Abu’l-Hassan ash-Shadhili. This teacher was the founder of the Shadhiliyya Sufi group, also called a brotherhood. Shahab decided to join him.
He traveled with al-Shadhili when they moved to Alexandria in Egypt. Many Muslim scholars from Spain chose to live in Alexandria. This was because Muslim Spain was slowly coming under Christian control.
Al-Shadhili really liked Shahab. Shahab became one of his best students. In Alexandria, Shahab became known as Abu'l-'Abbas al-Mursi, which means "the Murcian." He married al-Shadhili's daughter. They had two daughters and one son. He lived in Alexandria for 43 years, teaching about Islam. He passed away in 1287 AD.
Influencing Ibn 'Ata' Allah
Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah was another important scholar. When he was young, he did not agree with Sufism. He even argued with the students of Abu’l ‘Abbas al-Mursi.
However, in 1276, Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah went to a public talk given by Abu’l ‘Abbas al-Mursi. After hearing him speak, Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah changed his mind. He became one of Abu’l ‘Abbas al-Mursi’s most serious students. This change happened because Abu’l Abbas showed deep knowledge of Islamic law (called fiqh). This made Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah rethink his earlier opinions.
His Famous Mosque
A mosque was built over his tomb in Alexandria. It is in the Anfoushi area of the city. Over time, this mosque became the most famous mosque in all of Alexandria. It is known as the El-Mursi Abul Abbas Mosque.
See also
In Spanish: Abu al-Abbás al-Mursi para niños
