Biography of Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah – Scholar and Spiritual Reformer
He who knows Allah fills his heart with Him. There is no room for anything else.
Early Life & Education
Imam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (1292–1350 CE) was a leading Islamic scholar, jurist, and spiritual reformer of the 8th century Hijri. A devoted student of Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, he carried forward his teacher’s legacy by writing extensively on aqeedah (Islamic creed), fiqh (Islamic law), Tafsir, and spiritual purification (Tazkiyah). His writings balanced intellectual rigor with deep spirituality, making him a unique voice in Islamic thought.
Born in Damascus, Ibn Qayyim received his early education from prominent scholars of the time. His studies covered Qur’anic exegesis, Hadith, Arabic grammar, and Hanbali jurisprudence. But his spiritual and intellectual transformation truly began under the mentorship of Ibn Taymiyyah, whose influence helped shape his approach to Islamic reform and clarity in theology.
Legacy of Ibn Qayyim: Purifying the Heart, Clarifying the Faith
Ibn Qayyim is best remembered for works like “Madarij al-Salikin” (Ranks of the Seekers), “Zad al-Ma‘ad” (Provision of the Hereafter), and “I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in” (Notices of the Signers on Behalf of Allah), which explore spiritual development, Prophetic guidance, and the role of scholars in Islamic law. He was not only a jurist but a soul doctor—dedicated to helping Muslims align their outward practices with inner sincerity.
A staunch supporter of monotheism (Tawheed) and a critic of innovations in religion (Bid‘ah), Ibn Qayyim’s teachings emphasized returning to the Qur’an and Sunnah while promoting compassion, sincerity, and balance. Though he faced opposition from some scholars of his time, his eloquence, scholarly depth, and spiritual wisdom earned him a revered place in Islamic history.
Ibn Qayyim passed away in 1350 CE in Damascus, but his books remain widely studied across schools of thought, especially within Sunni Islam, for their combination of deep knowledge and spiritual revival. Learn more at Alukah.net – Biography of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Quick Facts:
- Full Name: Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr ibn Ayyub al-Zur‘i (Ibn Qayyim)
- Born: 1292 CE, Damascus
- Died: 1350 CE, Damascus
- Known for: Student of Ibn Taymiyyah, writer of spiritual and legal classics
- Legacy: Islamic reformer, Hanbali jurist, heart-centered theologian