The Lofty Virtues of Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah

Book excerpt: If I had to swear standing between the corner of the Ka'bah and the spot of Ibrahim, I would swear that I have not laid my two eyes on anyone like him, nor has he seen anyone as knowledgeable as himself. The author said: When I learned of the death of the scholar and educator of this Ummah - the Imam, the mujtahid, the defender of the pure Shariah and Prophetic Sunnah, Shaykh al-Islam Taqi ad-Din Abi al-Abbas Ahmad bin Abd al-Halim bin Abd as-Salam bin Taymiyyah (may Allah sanctify his soul and brighten his grave) - some of the scholars and those who loved good for the Muslims said to me: You saw and befriended the Shaykh, and you came to know him and his characteristics. If only you could write a few words regarding what you saw in order to benefit whoever of this Ummah comes across them, since mercy descends when we remember the righteous people. So, I responded: I only accompanied him for a few days, and I only know few of this many virtues However, I saw that they intended good and that what they were requesting of me was a right and obligation upon me, as the scholar should be keen to spread and distribute what he thinks will be of value to the Muslims. So, I produced a small effort describing his virtues which will give the intelligent reader an idea of the honor and excellence of this man. I divided it into sections in order that it be a guide to those who reflect, and I included all that I could remember under each one...