JEDDAH, 17 December 2005 — Sheikh Ali Jaber, who was one of the imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, passed away on Wednesday following a prolonged illness. He was 53.
Sheikh Jaber’s melodious recitation of the Holy Qur’an gave spiritual exaltation to millions of Muslims within the Kingdom and abroad. He worked as professor of Islamic studies at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah and associate professor at the university’s Madinah branch.
Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former deputy chairman of the Shoura Council, praised the late scholar for his understanding of the Qur’an, adding that he had made a lot of efforts in teaching the divine book in an attractive manner.
Abdullah Basfar, a well-known reciter of the Qur’an and imam of the Shuaibi mosque, said he used to imitate the late scholar.
“Sheikh Jaber used to recite the Qur’an, at least two parts, every day. He continued this custom even after he fell sick,” Basfar said.
Hasan Safar, a colleague at the university, said Sheikh Jaber’s death was a big loss for the Islamic nation. He gave lectures in fiqh in a unique way, explaining the legal issues in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“People knew about Sheikh Jaber after he became the imam of the Grand Mosque during the time of King Khaled. His recitation of the Qur’an during Taraweeh prayers was a great spiritual experience,” said Muhammad Haddad, another colleague.
Born in Jeddah in 1952, Sheikh Jaber obtained his doctorate degree in comparative jurisprudence from the Higher Institute of Judiciary. He memorized the Qur’an at an early age and worked as the imam of the Grand Mosque until 1989. Sheikh Jaber died at Bugshan Hospital in Jeddah.
