Biography

Shaykh Abdulrahman al-Shaghouri was a renowned Syrian Sufi master, poet, and spiritual guide of the Shadhili order. Born in Homs to a noble family descended from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he lived a life marked by humility, integrity, and selflessness. Beginning as a stableboy and later becoming a textile supervisor, he was deeply engaged in workers’ rights and union activism, leading strikes for fair treatment while maintaining strong ethical and spiritual principles. When offered to lead the newly nationalized textile industry, he refused, declaring that “nationalization is theft,” choosing integrity over personal gain. Spiritually, Shaykh Abdulrahman embodied futuwwa—putting others before oneself. His gentleness, patience, and insight were reflected in both his actions and teachings. He emphasized practice over theory, self-reliance over dependence, and sincerity over show. As a teacher, he trained countless disciples in humility, discipline, and remembrance of God, often teaching profound lessons through everyday actions. Known for his sharp spiritual discernment (firasa), he guided seekers with wisdom and compassion. Until his passing, he remained a model of asceticism, refinement, and unwavering devotion—an heir to the prophetic path in both spirit and deed.