The International Union of Muslim Scholars Offers Condolences on the Passing of Dr. Saleh Al-Samarrai, Former President of the Islamic Center in Japan and Union Member (May Allah Have Mercy on Him)
With hearts full of faith in Allah’s decree, the International Union of Muslim Scholars extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the Muslim Ummah and to the Iraqi and Japanese people on the passing of the esteemed scholar and prominent preacher, Dr. Saleh Al-Samarrai, former president of the Islamic Center in Japan and a member of the Union. Dr. Al-Samarrai departed to his Lord in Jeddah after a prolonged battle with illness.
Dr. Saleh Mahdi Saleh Al-Samarrai (may Allah have mercy on him) was one of the most prominent preachers in Japan, dedicating over fifty years to serving the Islamic call within Japanese society and playing a significant role in spreading Islamic values worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Al-Samarrai was born in 1932 in the city of Samarra, Iraq, where he grew up and completed his high school education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from the University of Punjab in Pakistan in 1960, followed by a master’s and doctorate in the same field from the University of Tokyo in Japan in 1963 and 1966, respectively.
Academic and Research Career
Dr. Al-Samarrai began his academic career as a professor at the University of Baghdad (1966-1968), then moved to Riyadh University in Saudi Arabia, where he taught until 1981. He founded the Department of Dry Land Agriculture at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, serving as its head from 1980 until 1996.
His Path in Islamic Preaching
However, his deepest passion lay in Islamic preaching. He established the Islamic Center in Tokyo in 1974 and led it until his passing. He also co-founded the Muslim Students Association in Tokyo in 1961. Additionally, he served as an advisor to numerous international Islamic organizations, such as the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, the World Mosque Council, and the Committee on Scientific Miracles in the Quran and Sunnah.
Contributions to the Spread of Islam
Dr. Al-Samarrai carried the concerns of Islam in his heart, traveling to many countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas to spread the message of Islam and promote its values of mercy and tolerance. He authored many works and conducted research on Islam in Japan and the conditions of Muslims worldwide.
With his passing, the Muslim Ummah has lost a distinguished scholarly and missionary figure who dedicated his life to serving Islam and spreading its values. We pray that Allah forgives him, has mercy on him, grants him a place in the highest gardens of Paradise among the prophets, the truthful, and the martyrs, and grants patience and solace to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.
Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
Doha: Jumada al-Awwal 8, 1446 AH
November 9, 2024 CE
Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi - Secretary General
Prof. Dr. Ali Muhyiddin Al-Qaradaghi - President