Al-Albani

Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani (1914-1999 CE) was a prominent Islamic scholar specializing in the field of hadith (prophetic traditions) authentication. Born in Shkodër, Albania (then part of the Ottoman Empire), his family migrated to Damascus, Syria, where he spent most of his life.

Al-Albani is best known for his meticulous approach to hadith verification, categorizing hadith narrations as authentic (sahih), good (hasan), weak (da'if), or fabricated (mawdu'). He authored numerous books on hadith, jurisprudence (fiqh), and Islamic theology. His methodology and conclusions have been both influential and controversial within the Muslim world.

His works include Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahiha (Series of Authentic Hadith), Silsilat al-Ahadith ad-Da'ifa (Series of Weak Hadith), and Sahih al-Jami' as-Saghir wa Ziyadatuhu (Authentic Collection of al-Jami' as-Saghir and its Additions). He also produced abridgements and authentications of many classical Islamic texts.

Al-Albani's views on various aspects of Islamic practice and jurisprudence, particularly concerning prayer, women's issues, and matters of creed, have been subject to debate. He advocated for a return to what he considered the "pure" practices of early Islam based on his interpretation of the Quran and Sunnah. His scholarship has left a significant mark on contemporary Islamic thought and practice, inspiring both followers and critics. He is considered a key figure in the Salafi movement of the 20th century.