Born in 1950 in Malaysia to a Chinese Buddhist family, Hussain Yee underwent a life-changing spiritual journey that made him a well-known Islamic scholar and preacher. His commitment to Islamic studies and dawah (Islamic outreach) began when he converted to Islam at the age of 18. His conversion to Islam involved a radical shift in his outlook on life goals and way of living not just a change in his religious identity. His in-depth quest for spirituality and truth ultimately led him to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the message of the Quran which profoundly impacted his decision to convert to Islam.
Mentorship and Educational Endeavors
After converting Hussain Yee studied Hadith at the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia where he obtained a formal Islamic education. He had the chance to study under Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani a renowned Hadith scholar during this time which had a big impact on his academic growth. This academic background gave him a thorough understanding of Islamic theology jurisprudence and prophetic traditions giving him the skills he needed to support Islamic discourse and instruction. His understanding of true Islamic teachings was greatly influenced by his time at the Islamic University of Madinah.
Under the direction of distinguished scholars he was exposed to a wide range of Islamic sciences and a demanding curriculum which equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle current problems that Muslims face globally. His academic background has made it possible for him to connect traditional Islamic knowledge with contemporary issues thereby rendering his teachings applicable and understandable to a wide range of audiences.
Also read:Respecting Teachers
Contributions to the Outreach of Islam
After finishing his education Hussain Yee committed himself to a number of positions that supported Muslim communities and promoted Islamic principles. His participation in various organizations and initiatives serves as a testament to his contributions to Islamic outreach. In 1980 he served as an advisor to the Cambodian Islamic Refugee Organization helping Cambodian Muslim refugees in Paris France maintain their faith and adjust to new surroundings.
In Malaysia he worked as a counselor for the Islamic Welfare Organization (PERKIM) where he addressed the spiritual and general needs of recently converted Muslims. During his tenure as Director of Dawah at the Islamic Center in Hong Kong (1984–1985) he oversaw initiatives to spread Islamic knowledge and promote Muslim community development in Hong Kong.
The Founding of Al-Khaadem
Hussain Yee established Pertubuhan Al-Khaadem in Malaysia a group dedicated to helping people via a range of service projects and educational initiatives. In keeping with the organizations motto of Serving Mankind he has played a significant role as President in launching initiatives that address the communitys social and spiritual needs. The following are some of the various facets of community service that Al-Khaadem emphasizes:
- Islamic education: Holding workshops seminars and classes for both new and observant Muslims.
- Humanitarian Aid: Giving impoverished families food shelter and financial support.
- Developing youth: Planning events to involve and inform young Muslims about their religion.
Al-Khaadem has grown into a reputable organization that continues to make a difference in many lives by disseminating Islamic teachings and encouraging Muslim fraternity.
Also read:Al-Syaibani : The Pioneer of Islamic Economic Thought
Media Presence and Public Speaking
Hussain Yee is a highly sought-after speaker who has given talks all over the Asia Pacific area offering his perspectives on Islamic principles and current problems that the Muslim world faces. He covers subjects like faith spirituality family values and social responsibility in his interesting and thought-provoking lectures. Platforms such as Muslim Central which compiles his lectures for a worldwide audience provide access to his lectures. In addition to giving public lectures Hussain Yee has discussed important Islamic topics on television and online platforms among other media outlets. His social media presence has given him the opportunity to reach a larger audience and wisely and clearly spread the message of Islam.
In Conclusion
Hussain Yees transformation from a Chinese Buddhist child to a renowned Islamic scholar is a prime example of the transformational potential of faith and a commitment to learning. He continues to inspire many with his contributions to community service and Islamic education. His life serves as an example of the strength of tenacity and sincerity in the pursuit of knowledge.
As the Quran states:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (Quran 16:125)
This idea is demonstrated in Hussain Yees life as he works to make Islam understandable to people from all backgrounds by presenting its teachings with insight and kindness. Let’s follow his example by spreading the rahmah teaching of Islam.
Also read:Abu Yusuf: The Pioneer of Islamic Economic Thought
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
References
Muslim Central. (n.d.). Hussain Yee. Retrieved from https://muslimcentral.com/audio/hussain-yee/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Hussain Yee. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussain_Yee
EverybodyWiki. (n.d.). Hussain Yee. Retrieved from https://en.everybodywiki.com/Hussain_Yee
Islamic University of Madinah. (n.d.). Alumni. Retrieved from https://edurank.org/uni/islamic-university-of-madinah/alumni/
Archive.org. (n.d.). Collection of Islamic Lectures of Shaikh Hussain Yee. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/CollectionOfIslamicLecturesOfShaikhHussainYee