Ali Abdullah Jaber

Ali Abdullah Jaber was born in August 1954 (Hijri Date: Dhu al-Hijjah 1373 AH) along with his twin brother Salem, in Jeddah.

At age of 5, he with his parents moved from Jeddah to Madinah, where he learned the Quran. His father – Abdullah ibn Saleh, died in Medina when Ali Jaber was 11 years old.^[6][3]

Ali Jaber first learned Quran under the supervision of Rahmatullah Qari in Princess Munira bint Abdul Rahman Mosque, he then was nominated to memorize the whole Quran under the supervision of Sheikh Khalil Al-Qari, in a Charitable Society for the Memorization of the Holy Quran in Medina, there he learned Tajwid. During this period he became acquainted with Muhammad Ayyub – Imam of Prophet's Mosque.^[7]

After he obtained his first university degree, he continued his postgraduate studies and headed towards Riyadh to the Higher Institute of the Judiciary, affiliated with Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, and joined as a student in the Master's stage, in the academic year 1396-1397 AH.

He completed his Master's degree and obtained distinction in his thesis (Arabic: فقه عبد الله بن عمر ما وأثره في مدرسة المدينة, lit. 'The Jurisprudence of Abdullah bin Omar and its Impact on the School of Medina') in the Comparative Jurisprudence Department.^[3][8]

Then he obtained his doctorate in his thesis (Arabic: فقه القاسم بن محمد بن أبي بكر الصديق موازناً بفقه أشهر المجتهدين, lit. 'The jurisprudence of Al-Qasim bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakr Al-Siddiq compared to the jurisprudence of the most famous mujtahids') in 1987.^[9][10][11]

Upon completing his Master's degree from the Higher Institute of Judiciary, Ali Jaber was offered a judgeship at the Maysan Court in Taif. However, he declined the position, citing personal reasons. While the Ministry of Justice exempted him from judicial duties, they still required him to serve in an administrative role. Despite his refusal of an administrative inspector position in Mecca, the Ministry persisted. Eventually, King Khalid graciously intervened, releasing Ali Jaber from the Ministry of Justice and appointing him as a lecturer at King Abdulaziz University's College of Education in Medina.^[12]

 

Ali Jaber travelled to a few countries in his lifetime, including Canadian capital Ottawa, Pakistan, Islamic center in Tokyo, Japan.

in 1983, Ali Jaber travelled to Canadian capital of Ottawa for a scientific trip, and spent 8 months there.

Despite being afflicted with ill health, the entire Quran was recorded in his voice in a voice studio lab in Canada at the request of the Saudi Cultural Attaché of the country at the time. The original copy of that registration was delivered to King Saud University in Riyadh.^[13]

 

On the request of his Sheikh(Rahmatullah Qari), Ali Jaber started his career as an imam when he was 21 years old, at Mosque of Al-Ghamama in Medina, in the year 1394 AH (corresponding to 1974).^[14]He led the worshippers to prayers there for 2 years.^[3]

He then led the prayers at several mosques until he became an imam at a private mosque in palace of King Khalid.

 

When King Khalid arrived at Mecca on the 20th night of Ramadan 1401 AH (1981), King Khalid Missed Sheikh Ali Jaber's voice as he lead him for Taraweeh in the first 20 nights of Ramadan in Khalidiya Palace Mosque in Taif, so Sheikh Ali Jaber was ordered to head to Mecca and lead the worshippers in prayers in the Masjid al-Haram From the night of the 23rd of Ramadan 1401 AH (1981) till the end of the Holy month. People in the Masjid got influenced and loved his voice.^[13] He then was officially appointed as an Imam of Masjid al-Haram, at the age of 27.

 

Rahmatullah Qari, accompanied by Ali Jaber, often used to visited Taif to meet with Prince Saud and Prince Saad, sons of Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz. During these visits, the princes would request Ali Jaber to recite verses from the Quran. On one notable occasion, they invited him to lead the Maghrib prayer at the Khalidiya Palace Mosque in Taif. King Khalid was reportedly pleased with Jaber's performance and extended an invitation to the palace afterwards, where he honored the visitors.^[3]

A year after the visit, Ali Jaber was summoned to Riyadh by the Royal Court where he delivered the Friday sermon and led King Khalid and his companions in the Friday prayer. His sermon impressed the King's companions, who praised his knowledge, oratory, and the positive impact of Saudi university education.^[3]

In 1401 AH, Ali Jaber was appointed as the personal imam of private mosque at King Khalid's palace in Taif. The King reportedly held Ali Jaber in high regard, developing affection in their relationship. Ali Jaber led the King in daily prayers, including Tarawih during Ramadan, at the palace mosque.

Ali Jaber was ordered by King Khalid to lead Tarawih in Masjid al-Haram during the last 10 nights of Ramadan 1401 AH. As a result of these events, Ali Jaber became known as the 'King's Imam'.^[13][16]

 

After suffering from health problems, Ali Jaber died in Bugshan hospital in Jeddah on 14 December 2005 (12 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1426 AH).^[4] He was then transferred to Makkah where his Jinazah prayer was led by Saleh al-Talib in Masjid al-Haram after Asr prayer on 15 December 2005. Second Jinazah prayer was led by Muhammad Ayyub.

Ali Jaber was buried in Al-Sharayea cemetry, Makkah on 15 December 2005.^[17]

• Quran recordings of Ali Jaber on Assabile.com
• Biography of Ali Jaber in Arabic
• alijaber.net (in Arabic)

• Abdullah Matroud