Shaykh Musa Abdullah Jibril carries a remarkable life story — one defined by intellectual depth, unwavering faith, and a lifelong commitment to disseminating beneficial knowledge and serving the Muslim community. Born in the heart of the occupied city of Haifa, Palestine, under brutal and unlawful occupation, the Shaykh bore the weight of early hardship. Rather than allowing it to embitter him, he transformed his trials into a driving force in his mission to spread the pristine message of Islamic Monotheism.
His early years took him to Damascus and then Jordan, where he spent his youth immersed in a love for knowledge. Eventually, he made a life-altering move to the United States in his late twenties. Even as a youth, his constant companions were his books — a testament to his deep passion for learning.
Upon arrival in America, Shaykh Musa Jibril was struck by the widespread ignorance and the glaring absence of pure Tawheed. This fueled his resolve to embark on a lifelong mission of Da'wah, planting the seeds of Salafi methodology — one of the earliest such efforts in the country.
Driven to deepen his understanding, he enrolled in the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he specialized in Aqeedah and Sharee'ah. His time in Madinah was transformative. He studied under some of the most revered scholars of that era and was honored with private, one-on-one tutoring sessions at the Prophet's Masjid ﷺ — a sign of the respect he had earned. His teachers held him in high regard and saw in him a torchbearer for the propagation of pure Islamic belief.
Notably, the Shaykh was a pioneer in linking Madinah's scholarly heritage with the West. He played a crucial role in facilitating the distribution of Islamic books from Saudi Arabia to the United States to support Da'wah and education — a service he undertook purely for the sake of Allah, never seeking worldly compensation or recognition.
His circle of close friends, peers, and instructors — comprised of some of the most learned men of the time — testifies to his elevated scholarly standing. Though many doors were opened to him for worldly prominence, Shaykh Musa Jibril preferred obscurity among people and recognition with the angels.
The key to his academic and spiritual excellence was his mastery over time management. He wasted no moment. Knowledge was not merely a pursuit; it was an all-consuming passion. So devoted was he to study that his wife (رحمها الله) once remarked in jest whether he had married her or his books. Even in sleep, his fingers would mimic the motions of writing — such was the extent to which learning permeated his being.
His eloquence became one of his defining traits. Quickly, he gained respect among the people of Madinah and later in the United States — despite intense opposition from many local scholars, whose corrupt beliefs he openly challenged. At a time when the distortions of the Ash'arīs, Ṣūfīs, and Shīʿa held sway, the Shaykh brought a refreshing, uncompromising message of Tawheed.
His teachers often entrusted him with leadership roles even as a student. At times, during the lessons of Shaykh 'Atiyyah Salim — a student of the great Shaykh al-Shanqītī (رحمهما الله) — Shaykh Musa would be asked to take over the class in the teacher's absence. He would be told: "Ask the Shaykh," in reference to him. He was even entrusted with the safekeeping of his teacher's belongings — a sign of the trust and high moral standing he carried from a young age.
Shaykh Musa was also instrumental in assisting numerous students gain admission to the Islamic University of Madinah. His influence and credibility with university staff made him a key figure in resolving student affairs and advocating for the aspiring seekers of knowledge.
In parallel with his religious studies, the Shaykh pursued higher education in the United States in the fields of Sociology and Psychology. He memorized the Qur'an, as well as major Hadith collections and classical Mutoon. His photographic memory remains one of his most renowned attributes to this day.
Among his greatest personal influences was his father, Abdullah Musa Jibril (رحمه الله), a devout and principled man who stood tall as a leader within his community. He was deeply committed to the cause of Islam and the liberation of Palestine, and actively participated in resistance against British colonial forces during the Palestinian Revolt of 1936. His sacrifices included enduring imprisonment and leading armed struggles to defend his homeland. His steadfastness, moral compass, and dedication to Islamic values were instrumental in the upbringing of Shaykh Musa, instilling in him the love of knowledge, the spirit of sacrifice, and a devotion to the truth.
The legacy of this noble family continued through the Shaykh's progeny — most notably his son, al-'Allāmah Shaykh Ahmad Musa Jibril (حفظه الله), a towering scholar and distinguished jurist in his own right. Renowned for his sharp intellect, encyclopedic memory, and mastery of the Islamic sciences, Shaykh Ahmad inherited both the knowledge and the mission of his father. His scholarly output, eloquent teachings, and deep insight into Islamic jurisprudence, 'Aqeedah, and contemporary issues have earned him love and respect across the globe. Shaykh Ahmad Musa Jibril continues to carry the torch of Salafi Da'wah in the west, dedicating his life to reviving the legacy of the Salaf, defending the foundations of Islamic creed, and mentoring students of knowledge with precision and clarity.
Together, father and son represent a rare lineage of unwavering devotion to the service of Islam — embodying the Qur'anic ideal of "And those who say, 'Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us leaders for the righteous.'" [al-Furqān 25:74]
Despite his tremendous scholarly achievements, Shaykh Jibril is known for his humility. He never sought biographies or accolades, preferring his actions to speak for themselves. Among his community contributions was the founding of a masjid in Dearborn, which he transformed from a social club into a center of Islamic learning and Tawheed. He served as its chief lecturer and spiritual leader until his uncompromising stance on Tawheed, particularly during the rise of Shi'ism in the 1980s, led to strong opposition and ultimately his removal from the masjid.
Later in life, he would also face imprisonment — a trial he bore with patience — due to his efforts to promote the pure message of Salafiyyah.
Undeterred by trials or opposition, Shaykh Musa Jibril continued to deliver powerful lectures, reaching thousands across the globe. His Da'wah led to countless conversions to Islam — driven not only by his knowledge, but by his exemplary manners and unwavering patience.
He has dedicated his entire life to the cause of Allah — studying, teaching, and reviving the Salafi methodology in a land where it was once unknown.
May Allah protect Shaykh Musa Jibril, prolong his life in righteousness, accept his efforts, and multiply his reward. May Allah grant him and his family the best in this world and the next.