Dr. Saeed Ramadan al-Buti

Name: Mohammed Saeed Ramadan, but more famous with the name al-Buti'. Birth: In the year 1929, in the village of Ayn Dewar, Northern Syria. Location: The Shaykh immigrated with his father to Damascus at the age of four where he resides. Studies: The Shaykh received both his primary and secondary schooling at Damascus, and in 1953 he joined the Faculty of Shariah at al-Azhar University from which he graduated in 1955, securing a first class in the final exams. The following year he obtained a Diploma in Education from the Faculty of Arabic Language at the same University. Engagements: The Shaykh was appointed a teacher in the secondary school of Homs in 1958. And in 1961 he was appointed a lecturer in the Faculty of Shariah at Damascus University. In 1965 he was back at al-Azhar University where he completed a doctorate with high distinction and a recommendation for a teaching post. In the same year he was appointed as a teacher in the Faculty of Law at the University of Damascus, thereafter an assistant professor and finally appointed as a professor. In 1975, he was given the position of the vice dean at the same college, and later in 1977 as the dean. He retired but with an extended contract with the same university as a lecturer. Academic activities: 1] Several of the Shaykh's religious and social programmes are broadcast via satellite channels, including: 'The New Miracle in the Quran, Islam in the Scales of Science, Scenes and Lessons from the Quran and Sunnah, and Quranic Studies. 2] He used to to participate in international seminars and conferences in various Arab, Muslim and European countries. 3] He used to conducted regular programmes in Masjid al-Imaan of Damascus (one of the largest mosques of the city). These 'duroos', as they are known, used to take place every Monday and Thursday. He also would deliver the Friday sermon every week at the Grand Umayyad mosque of Damascus. 4] The author of many articles which appear in academic journals and newspapers. His Martyrdom Al-Bouti was killed on 21 March 2013, while giving a religious lesson to students at the Iman Mosque in the central Mazraa district of Damascus. The bomb attack reportedly killed at least 42 people and wounded more than 84. It marked the first time during the civil war a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a mosque. Al-Bouti's death is said to have removed "one of the few remaining pillars of opposition to the uprising" among the majority Sunni Muslims who have formed the base of support for the uprising.