My few days with Shaykh Assim al Hakeem (Hafidhahullah)

Innalhamdulillaah
It has been great long weekend for me this time as Shaykh Assim al Hakeem (Hafidhahullah) was visiting Chennai, India for Illume Academy’s “The Divine Thread” (Uloom al Qur’aan) workshop. I have not heard much of his lectures before but I heard about him through beloved Shaykh Abu Ameenah. During the 4 days of my interaction with him, I learnt few things which I am sharing here
Humbleness
Shaykh is such a humble person alhamdulillaah. He always tells “I don’t know” “I am a low profile person” Subhanallaah, all are just opposites. He has been Khateeb in Jeddah for over 19 years and regularly appears on numerous TV Channels. He had regular contact with Shaykh Uthaymeen, Bin Baaz and Albani (May Allaah have mercy upon them all) before they died. Still he is so humble
The way he corrects people
When someone corrects us, we normally go to defensive mode but with the Shaykh it is quite opposite. I was proud when I was corrected by him. Once myself and my Brother Imtiaz have to explain Illume’s Syllabus to the Shaykh. We had small boy Luqman with us. I was telling Imitaz “You go” Imtiaz said “you go” I again told him “You go” Imtiaz again told me “You go” This time Shaykh said to Luqman “You go” Then I realized my mistake and started explaining to the Shaykh.
Wisdom of Da’wah
1. Once one of the student sent a slip question asking something regarding Qur’aan. Br.Imtiaz read the question where the questioner said “It was tough for me to understand the issue” Shaykh immediately replied “It is even tough for me to understand the question” As I got the question, believing Shaykh is not getting the question, I started explaining the question to him. Actually Shaykh understood the question but he ignored. Then Shaykh said he was afraid that answer will confuse us and answered at certain length. I learnt that in Da’wah we should refrain from certain issues if it will confuse people Alhamdulillah
2. When a brother asked a question questioning the actions of Allaah azza wajal, Shaykh replied by reciting verse from Surah Anbiya that Allaah will not be questioned and we will be questioned about our deeds. I just remembered when Prophet was asked foolish questions he responded by reciting Surah Fussilat.
Commitment
Shaykh was so committed in his preparation for the workshop. He himself prepared 89 power point slides and whenever he gets time for rest, he will just revisit the preparation materials alhamdulillaah. I was wondering how such a big person putting this much of effort for a workshop. Subhanallaah, I realized this is what commitment, passion and dedication will take you to.
I cried continuously for more than a hour
Allaah blessed the Shaykh with clarity of thought, power of teaching and most importantly Knowledge and wisdom. He will make you cry and he will make you laugh. When he made us all to cry for a moment, I was crying for more than a hour. I went to his room as I want to tell him “Shaykh, I love you for the sake of Allaah” but I just returned because I was afraid that my voice will break and I will break into tears.
Cool Shaykh
If you can spend few minutes with the Shaykh, I can guarantee you that you will not be able to comeback without laughing. He cracks jokes a lot but he will make you to think bi-ithnillaah.
All in all, it was really a wonderful experience spending time with the Shaykh. I am really honored to meet a noble Shuyook like Shaykh Assim, Bilal Philips, Salim al Amry, RK Noor and so on alhamdulillaah.
I ask Allaah azza wajal to bless their timing, work they do and make them enter jannah and give them freedom from hell fire
Fond Regards,
Umar Shariff