Is it possible to follow a path without loving the guide? This talk delves into the theological and spiritual necessity of Mahabbah (love) for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Far from being an emotional additive, this love is presented as the essential bridge between a cold adherence to law and a vibrant, living connection with the Divine. Habib Kadhim explores the Prophetic statement: “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all of mankind.”

The talk concludes with the reminder that the Prophet ﷺ is the “Door to Allah.” To love him is to love the Beauty of God reflected in human form, and to follow him is the only guaranteed path to Divine proximity.

About Speaker:

Al-Habib Kadhim Ja‘afar As-Saggaf was born in Tarim, Hadramaut in 1960. He was taught the Qur’an and other Islamic disciplines by his eminent teachers at the famous school of Qur’anic Literacy and Memorisation, Abu Murayyim, and the prestigious school of classical learning, the Ribat of Tarim. After graduating from the two aforementioned institutions, he continued his studies at the hands of some of the most qualified scholars and teachers of Tarim.

He thereafter travelled in search of knowledge to the northern Yemeni city of Bayda, registering at the famous Ribat of Bayda where he was blessed to study with some of the greatest scholars of recent times such as al-Habib Muhammad b. Abd-Allah al-Haddar, al-Habib Ibrahim b. Aqil b. Yahya and al-Habib Zain b. Sumait.

He then returned to Tarim were he continued his studies as well as embarking upon the continual task of da‘wah. He was appointed the principal and head teacher of the Ribat of Shihr, occupying that post for the next six years, thereafter transferring to the Ribat of Mukalla once again as principal and head teacher for a further two years.

A highly-respected scholar, Habib Kadhim is considered an expert in many Islamic sciences including jurisprudence, prophetic biography, creed, principles of jurisprudence and in particular, hadith (sayings of the Prophet) and its sciences.

Adopting a unique oratory approach, Habib Kadhim specialises in educating the masses regarding their responsibilities towards their Creator as well as each other. He has toured many countries over the last few years including Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, South Africa, Sweden and Denmark. In addition, he has also been a guest to the Radical Middle Way initiative in the United Kingdom.

He currently teaches at the prestigious Islamic institute Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim as well as sitting on the Council for Legal Verdicts at the same establishment. He is also extremely active in all parts of Hadramaut, regularly lecturing and participating in conferences.