and he would speak to each person in the manner best suited to him and most conducive to his good. He had been endowed with the ability to resolve with ease the difficult problems that befell people and to settle disputes with intelligence and sagacity.

His student, Shaykh Abd Allah al-Bassām, said: “His character was gentler than the breeze and sweeter than the waters of Paradise. He did not reproach anyone for a misstep or take offense at cold treatment. He showed affection and warmth to those near and far, met others with a cheerful countenance, greeted them warmly, treated them kindly, kept them pleasant company, and conversed with them in a spirit of geniality and affection. He showed compassion to the poor and the young, exerted himself to the utmost, and assisted others with his wealth, standing, knowledge, judgment, counsel, and sincere advice—with a truthful tongue, a sincere heart, and the strictest discretion.”

He was also courageous in upholding the truth and sincere in advising people. In matters concerning Allah, he feared no critic’s reproach. Such is how we regard him, though Allah is his Reckoner, and we do not vouch for anyone’s purity before Allah.

Those who described him praised his powerful memory, prompt recall, precision in deduction, accessibility of approach, clarity of mind, ready wit, and fine voice. These qualities gave his talks and conversations a profound effect upon people’s hearts, inspiring them to love and trust him. Whoever reads his books will recognize behind them one of the great masters of scholarship.