Dr. Jamal Barzinji

Abstract

It is with deep sadness that the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) announces the passing of Dr. Jamal Barzinji, its president and founding member, on Saturday, September 26, 2015, after a long-standing illness. “Among the believers are men [and women] who have been true to what they have vowed before God” (Qur’an, 33:23). Dr. Jamal was born on December 15, 1939, in Mosul, Iraq. On the night of his birth his father, Imam Muhammad al-Barzinji, made the following entry in his diary: “It was a bitterly cold night, and a son was born to me. I have named him Jamal al-Din.” His father instilled in his young son a deep and abiding love for Allah and Islam, a profound appreciation for Arabic, and a heartfelt respect and devotion for truth and values – and young Jamal carried these passions with him throughout his life, translating the strength of his convictions into action until the very last day of his life. Despite his acute and protracted illness Dr. Barzinji continued to display his usual unwavering commitment, as well as his strength of will and dedication, in whatever project he was involved. Withstanding chronic pain he would come to the office; when unable to do so he would work from home. He met with colleagues, oversaw IIIT work, and remained engaged with the Institute until his final hours. So engrained were these practices that the thought of not welcoming those scholars and students who participated in the annual IIIT Summer School and Institute for Scholars never entered his mind. This life-long proponent of serving Islam expanded his work as the years passed. He used his exceptional organizational talents and skills to help found many major Muslim institutions, among them ...