Dr. Jamal Barzinji 1939-2015

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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 ...

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