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From a young age, Sheikh Murabit dedicated himself entirely to worshipping Allah and pursuing knowledge.

As a student, he would sit at the edge of the roof at night, allowing the cold desert wind to blow against his face to keep himself awake so he could study longer.

This unwavering dedication to learning shaped the foundation of his remarkable journey.

By the age of twenty, Mauritania was gripped by extreme poverty, and he yearned to perform the Hajj.

With humility and determination, he sought his mother's permission to embark on this sacred journey on foot.

She granted her blessing, extracting a promise from him that he would return home.

Setting out from Mauritania, he traversed harsh terrains and unforgiving climates, eventually reaching Sudan.

He immersed himself among the scholars there, absorbing wisdom and exchanging knowledge.

One day, a Sudanese man enthusiastically approached him, eager to share something remarkable.

He led Sheikh Murabit to an outdoor cinema—a novel spectacle at the time.

Silent images of two men engaged in a gunfight unfolded on the screen.

Disturbed by this display, Sheikh Murabit turned away, his innate disposition guiding him back to his spiritual pursuits.

This would be the only piece of media he would ever see.

His journey continued to the holy cities.

Upon reaching Mecca, he fulfilled his long-awaited pilgrimage.

He then walked from Mecca to Medina, spending time in the Prophet's Mosque.

True to his word, Sheikh Murabit al-Hajj returned to Mauritania on foot.

Upon his arrival, he began a life dedicated to teaching.

His daily routine was extraordinary.

He rose hours before dawn to engage in Tahajjud prayers, during which he often wept in devotion.

As Fajr approached, he would walk to the mosque and personally call the Adhan, even until his old age.

He led the prayer and recited from the shorter chapters of the Qur'an, mindful of the Prophet's guidance to make the prayer easy for those behind him.

After Fajr, he remained in the mosque, welcoming students who gathered to draw from his vast wealth of knowledge.

This session extended until midday, after which he took a brief break for lunch and a short nap.

The afternoon found him back with his students, teaching until the Asr prayer.

Even as evening approached, his commitment did not wane.

He continued to teach until the Isha prayer.

Remarkably, even the late hours offered no reprieve.

Students would awaken him during the night, seeking answers and insights, and he would oblige without hesitation.

This relentless dedication was not a passing phase but a lifelong devotion—over 70 years of unwavering service to the pursuit of knowledge and the education of others.

It is impossible to determine how many tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of lives he influenced through his students who became scholars and continue to teach and spread the deen, enlightened by his wisdom.

The ripple effect of his dedication has reached far beyond the deserts of Mauritania, touching hearts and minds across the Muslim world, including America.

Sheikh Murabit al-Hajj didn't just teach the principles of Islam; he lived them fully.

Reflecting on his story, one is reminded of the immense potential within each individual to lead a life of purpose and dedication.

Sheikh Murabit al-Hajj's journey teaches that true fulfillment is found in an unwavering commitment to faith and the betterment of those around us.

May his legacy inspire and guide all on the journey toward spiritual excellence.

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