THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS - CESD

17SHEIKH DR MUHAMMADSA’ID RAMADAN AL BOUTILeading Islamic Scholar in SyriaSheikh al Bouti is the leading Islamic scholar in Syria.He is the head of the Theology Department in the facultyof Islamic Law at Damascus University. Al Boutipreaches very often and is highly respected by many ofthe leading scholars in the Muslim world. In the pastyear, his influence has grown significantly in the Muslimworld and particularly with young Muslims.Country: SyriaDate of Birth: 1929Source of Influence: ScholarlyInfluence: Leading scholar for18.4 million Syrian MuslimsSchool of Thought: TraditionalSunniRank: 2010:17 · 2009:23 Traditionalist ScholarAl Bouti is the scholar’s scholar, and the bulk of his influencecomes from his position of respect and authority among the leading thinkers in Islamtoday. Bouti has written close to 50 books that have garnered considerable critical acclaim.Passionate Advocate of MadhabsAl Bouti is a keen supporter of madhabs (traditional Islamic schools of law), and is one ofthe leading critics of the significant movement to abandon these schools. He is particularlyinfluential because this movement has led to groups in which extremist behavior is condonedas Islamic. Al Bouti has referred to the abandonment of madhabs as the ‘most dangerous bid’a[innovation] threatening the Islamic sharia.’ His view is critical because he says it gives individualswithout knowledge the ability to decide what is and is not Islamic.A Critic of SalafismAl Bouti has considerable sway over the theological and legal merits of Salafism versus traditionalIslam. He has held important debates with leading Salafi scholars and has performedwell, highlighting to his audience the importance of knowledge in Islam. In one of his mostnoteworthy books on this issue—Jihad in Islam: How to Understand and Practice it—Al Boutishows how a poor understanding of the term jihad has led to its abuse by both Muslims andnon-Muslims. His view is that those who are unaware of the basis of fiqh have manipulatedthe idea of jihad for their own benefit, underlining that jihad must be conducted, accordingto the basis of Islamic fiqh.Prolific WriterShiekh al Bouti has made an impact on the Muslim world, in particular through his scholarlyoutreach. He writes for news publications and journals. He has also developed a reputationfor his ability to address and respond to queries regarding Islamic jurisprudence, and personalissues from visitors to his comprehensive website, bouti.net.60