Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi: Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai, a Scholar of Reform, Preaching, and a Pious Servant Lost by the Islamic Nation
With heavy hearts, the Islamic nation bid farewell to Sheikh Sariya Abdul Karim Al-Rifai, a distinguished scholar and prominent preacher, who passed away on Monday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 77 in Istanbul, after a long battle with illness.
A Life of Academic and Preaching Excellence
Born into a scholarly family in Damascus, Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai was mentored by his father, the renowned scholar Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Rifai, founder of the Zayd Ibn Thabit Society. Sheikh Sariya continued his journey of knowledge and preaching, earning a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University in 1977.
He served as the imam and preacher at the Zayd Ibn Thabit Mosque in Damascus, enriching the field of Islamic preaching with his wisdom and reformative efforts.
From Scholar to Advocate of the Syrian Revolution
The oppressive Syrian regime forced Sheikh Al-Rifai to leave the country in 1980. However, he later returned to continue his academic and preaching work. When the Syrian revolution broke out in 2011, Sheikh Al-Rifai openly supported it and called for its success, leading him to go into exile once more.
He played a vital role in organizing the famous Damascus Strike on May 29, 2012, following the Houla massacre, reaffirming his commitment to Islamic principles and the causes of freedom and dignity.
Tributes from Scholars
Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, Secretary-General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Sheikh Al-Rifai, stating:
"The Islamic nation has lost a devout scholar and one of the most prominent figures of Damascus and Syria. Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai made significant contributions to preaching and reform, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Islamic scholarship both in Syria and beyond."
Al-Qaradaghi highlighted his strong ties to the Al-Rifai family, praising the legacy of his father, Sheikh Abdul Karim Al-Rifai, and his brother, Sheikh Osama, saying:
"This noble family has been a beacon of knowledge and preaching, and Sheikh Sariya left an indelible mark wherever he went."
The International Union of Muslim Scholars Mourns the Deceased
In a statement issued by the union, Sheikh Al-Rifai’s lifelong dedication to the service of Islam and Muslims was praised.
The statement described him as:
"A model of the devout scholar and sincere preacher who remained steadfast in his mission, undeterred by challenges. He was a symbol of resilience and determination, and a luminary of the Islamic nation who lived defending truth and advocating for the causes of his community."
Prayers for the Deceased
We pray that Allah grants Sheikh Sariya Abdul Karim Al-Rifai abundant mercy and admits him to the highest ranks of Paradise alongside the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return.