Sheikh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi is one of the most influential Muslim scholars of the modern age, known for his intellectual depth, spiritual authority, and global reach. A descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Moulay Idriss II, he carries a prestigious Damascene scholarly lineage.

Background: Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi was born in Damascus and was trained in Islamic sciences by his father who was an imam and instructor at the Grand Umayyad Mosque. Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi followed in his father’s footsteps and was appointed as a Friday Speaker at the age of 18, and an Instructor at the Fatwa directorate at the age of 23.

Against Extremism: His book Refuting ISIS has become essential reading, providing theological arguments against extremists. His criticism of the Syrian government made his stay in Syria untenable, so he had to flee the country in 2011, eventually seeking refuge in Morocco.

Educator: As a spiritual master in the Shādhilī order, Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi guides thousands of imams, scholars, and students. Through his international Sacred Knowledge initiative, he delivers intensive text-based recitations of foundational Sunni scriptures—including the historic 2026 completion of Sunan Abi Dawud and Jami’ al-Tirmidhi. He also spearheaded a major Towards Ihsan tour across the United Kingdom.

Scholar: Sheikh Al-Yaqoubi is a recognised authority on theology, jurisprudence, Hadith, literature, and spirituality, and has authored books on these subjects. He is also an eloquent poet, dedicating much of his poetry to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, with seven published works in this field. He is currently a senior fellow of the Royal Aal Al-Bayt Academy for Islamic Thought, and a visiting lecturer at Al-Quaraouiyine University.