Biography of Sheikh Yasin Muhammad Nour Fatani (1912 - 1992)
Name and Lineage:
Sheikh Yasin, the fifth son of the revered scholar and teacher at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Sheikh Muhammad Nour bin Muhammad bin Ismail Fatani. His mother was Sheikha Safiyya bint Ali Wan Kuten, known for her virtuous character, knowledge, calmness in manner, and love for her esteemed in-laws. She earned their trust and affection, playing a significant role in managing the family's affairs and social standing.

Birth:
Sheikh Yasin was born in Mecca in his paternal grandfather's house, known as the "Big House" in Al-Qushashiyyah, Khardafoushi Alley, in 1330 AH (c. 1912 CE).

Upbringing and Education:
Sheikh Yasin was born into a household of scholarship and piety. His father was the eminent scholar and judge at the court and a teacher at the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani. His paternal grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad bin Ismail, was one of the senior scholars in Mecca. Sheikh Yasin grew up under the care of his father and received his initial education from him, along with the guidance of his mother, who was also well-educated. He was then enrolled in Meccan schools (Al-Raqiyyah School) and studied various subjects, including jurisprudence (fiqh), arithmetic, dictation (imla'), Qira'at (recitations of the Quran), and others. After returning from Malaysia, Sheikh Yasin enrolled at the Al-Sawlatiyyah School in Mecca, where he completed his secondary education. His certificate from the Scientific Institute at the time was equivalent to a university degree, covering religious sciences such as jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis (tafsir) and its principles, Hadith and its principles, other religious and scientific disciplines, and Arabic grammar.

Journey to Malaysia:
When the conflict intensified between Sharif Ali bin Al-Hussein, the governor under the Ottoman Empire, and King Abdulaziz Al Saud over the rule of the Hijaz, and with King Abdulaziz's insistence on liberating Mecca, Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani sensed the impending threat of war. He decided to arrange for all members of the Fatani family to travel to Malaysia. During the return journey of pilgrims by sea, Yasin, his siblings, and the rest of the family traveled to Malaysia. They settled in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, as honored guests in the home of a well-known family with good financial and social standing, the Khaznah family, for a few days. Later, his brother Ahmad and the rest of the family arranged for their permanent residence. Their father, Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani, remained in the Big House in Mecca alone with his trusted servant. After the situation in Mecca stabilized, Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani requested his sons, brothers, and sisters, including the young Yasin, to return to Mecca.

Character and Personality:
He was a tall man with a pleasant face, possessing determination and dignity. He was largely silent, kind-hearted, strong-willed, and skilled at managing gatherings with his gentle speech and excellent responses, making him an excellent companion. He learned scholarship, safe conduct, and responsibility from his father, which developed in him traits combining firmness and respect for others. From his mother, Safiyya bint Ali Kuten, he learned purity of heart, a decisive outlook, and graceful reproach.

Professional Life:
Sheikh Yasin joined the Presidency of the Judiciary on 3 Rabi' al-Awwal 1350 AH (c. July 19, 1931 CE), where he progressed through its ranks until he assumed the position of Director General of the Presidency of the Judiciary on 14 Shawwal 1374 AH (c. June 5, 1955 CE). Prior to this, he had served as the Director of the Office of the Presidency of the Judiciary for three years, starting from 10 Sha'ban 1371 AH (c. May 5, 1952 CE). He also held the position of Head Scribe of the Presidency of the Judiciary for seven years, starting from 3 Jumada al-Akhirah 1365 AH (c. May 4, 1946 CE), and worked for one year as First Secretary in the Presidency of the Judiciary, beginning on 17 Shawwal 1364 AH (c. September 24, 1945 CE). When he first joined the Presidency of the Judiciary on 3 Rabi' al-Awwal 1350 AH, he worked as a Third Clerk for one year, then was promoted to Second Clerk on 8 Rabi' al-Thani 1351 AH (c. August 10, 1932 CE), a position he held for five years before being promoted to First Clerk and Assistant Secretary at the Presidency of the Judiciary. He continued to advance in positions until he became Director General before requesting retirement on 6 Sha'ban 1376 AH (c. March 8, 1957 CE). At that time, the head of the Presidency of the Judiciary was Sheikh Hassan bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who was a dear friend of Sheikh Yasin and held him in high esteem and respect for his knowledge, wisdom, and dedication to serving the Presidency of the Judiciary.

Hajj Sheikhdom Activities:
Sheikh Yasin was the trustworthy assistant and advisor to his brother, Sheikh Ahmad, in the affairs of the Hajj Sheikhdom, assisting him in serving the pilgrims and managing the pilgrim services and their care.

Endowment Supervision (Nadharah):
He worked as an assistant to his brother Sheikh Ahmad in the supervision of his grandfather Sheikh Muhammad bin Ismail Fatani's endowment and Sheikh Dawood bin Abdullah Fatani's endowment. This involved restoring and managing the endowment properties, purchasing houses, and housing pilgrims in them. After the passing of his late brother, Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Nour Fatani, Sheikh Yasin assumed the supervision of his ancestors' endowments, managing their affairs, including purchasing replacement properties, constructing for the endowments, leasing, maintenance, and distributing entitlements to the beneficiaries. He undoubtedly felt the responsibility and respect from his father's words to work diligently and energetically to preserve the ancestors' endowment.

Head of the Al Fatani Family:
After the death of his brother Sheikh Ahmad, Sheikh Yasin bin Muhammad Nour Fatani became the head of the progeny of Muhammad Nour Fatani family.

Practical Experiences:
Sheikh Yasin assisted his father, Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani, in organizing the study sessions held in the Big House for the pilgrims. He attended the assemblies and meetings of scholars and dealt with a number of prominent religious figures, which allowed him to acquire significant experience in administration and public relations with officials, learning how to respect them despite their different temperaments and moods. He worked with Sheikh Abdullah bin Al Sheikh, the Chief Justice, and acquired some of his virtues and knowledge, and later benefited from his sons, Sheikh Abdulaziz and Sheikh Hassan Al Sheikh, gaining from them humility and gracious hospitality.

Family Life:
The Presidency of the Judiciary used to spend the summer months in Taif for three months, and during this period, Sheikh Yasin married into a noble, well-known family of Arab father and Turkish mother, combining authenticity and purity. May Allah have mercy on him, Sheikh Yasin cared for his family and his wife, whom he held in great affection and respect. She was his helper in life and shared in the care and upbringing of their children in an Islamic manner based on compassion and harmony. He guided his children and urged them to perform their religious, academic, and social duties, resulting in a successful family that contributed to building a virtuous society and was successful in their endeavors. May Allah have mercy on you, Sheikh Yasin Muhammad Nour Fatani, reward you for your good deeds, and overlook your shortcomings.

Children:
Sheikh Yasin had four sons and six daughters: Jameel, Khalid, Muhammad Nour, and Amin. The daughters are Najat, Maryam, Firdaus, Zain, Jamilah, and Nawal.

Jameel: Graduated from Cairo University (Faculty of Arts / Arabic Language Department). He worked as an educational supervisor in the Ministry of Education, then as a Cultural Attaché for the Kingdom in the United States. After his term ended, he was tasked with establishing a private school (Riyadh Schools) for princes, princesses, and dignitaries, serving as its director. He later resigned to establish an English Language Institute. He authored several books for translation. He passed away in 1435 AH (c. 2014 CE) in Riyadh.

Khalid: Graduated from Alexandria University specializing in accounting. He worked at the Ministry of Agriculture and rose through the ranks to become the Director of the Financial Department in the Ministry. He then resigned to join the private sector, working for Dallah Company for several years, after which he established an accounting office in Riyadh before moving his business to Jeddah.

Muhammad Nour: Graduated from Polytechnic University in California, USA, in 1390 AH (c. 1970 CE) as a Soil and Water Engineer. He worked at the Ministry of Communications for a period, then completed his studies for a doctoral degree. After graduating in 1400 AH (c. 1980 CE), he moved to work at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where he advanced to become Dean of the College of Engineering, Vice President for Graduate Studies, and then an advisor to the President of King Abdulaziz University and the General Supervisor of International Contracts at the university.

Amin: Graduated from Umm Al-Qura University, then was sent for his postgraduate studies at the University of Lancaster, UK, and obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Exeter, UK. He worked as a faculty member in the College of Social Sciences, English Language Department, at Umm Al-Qura University. He was then seconded to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj Research, then became the Director of the Ministry of Hajj branch in Mecca, and was later appointed Dean of Faculty Affairs and Supervisor of the Translation Unit in the Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education. He passed away in 1439 AH (c. 2018 CE).
Daughters: Sheikh Yasin Muhammad Nour Fatani had six daughters who graduated from universities and all enjoyed happy and successful married lives, blessed with children. Among them, some held prestigious academic positions, most notably Dr. Maryam Yasin Fatani, who obtained a doctoral degree from the College of Islamic Education and worked as a faculty member at the same university until her retirement. Professor Jamilah Yasin Fatani, an educator, worked as an Arabic language teacher, then as a general inspector in the Ministry of Education, and is considered one of the earliest Saudi female journalists and writers, having worked as a journalist for Al Riyadh newspaper. The rest of his daughters are university graduates with distinguished teaching and guidance jobs, and some followed the path of Islamic advocacy, including the preacher Nawal Yasin Fatani.

Spiritual Connection:
One of the means of success for those who are successful in their lives and, God willing, in their afterlife, is their radiant connection with their Creator, both secretly and openly, and following the recommendations of their parents. His father raised him on righteousness, piety, and keenness to perform the deeds beloved by Allah, such as acts of worship and praying on time. May Allah have mercy on him, he was keen to perform the Fajr prayer at the Grand Mosque to catch the front rows, praying the two units of prayer before Fajr, then the Fajr prayer with the Imam. He would then circumambulate the Kaaba and remain in the mosque until sunrise, after which he would head to his home near the Grand Mosque. In his youth, he lived in a house in Zuqaq Al-Hajar, just a few steps away from the Grand Mosque. He later moved to a house on Mount Qubais overlooking the Grand Mosque, and then to a house he built in the Ajyad area to accommodate his children and family. He remained keen to pray the rest of the obligatory prayers at the Grand Mosque, where he requested a private space (khalwah) in the mosque (rooms in the underground floor of the Grand Mosque) from the mosque's administration. His request was approved, and he was given a khalwah for seclusion (i'tikaf). Sheikh Yasin was diligent in reading, pondering, and memorizing the Quran while in seclusion in his dedicated spot in the Grand Mosque. He was keen to perform the Hajj rituals annually with his brother Ahmad, and later with his nephew Mahmoud Ahmad Nour Fatani, as part of the Sheikhdom's camp, which included the extended family of Sheikh Muhammad Nour Fatani. Sheikh Yasin was known for his diligence in paying his Zakat (alms) every Ramadan, and he would investigate the circumstances of needy families to distribute the Zakat funds.

Family Relationships:
He was known, may Allah have mercy on him, for his commitment to maintaining kinship ties and was very close to his siblings. He loved his brothers and frequently visited his eldest brother, Ahmad, in his assembly at the Big House in Al-Qushashiyyah, where they discussed many matters concerning the extended family, endowments, pilgrim guiding, and providing consultations to his brothers and anyone who needed them. In addition to his love and appreciation for his brothers Hassan and Abdulghafoor, he maintained contact with and was compassionate towards his full sister. He was also affectionate toward his youngest brother, Sheikh Abdullah Muhammad Nour Fatani, who was raised under his care after their father's passing.

Relationships with Colleagues:
Despite his high position in the Presidency of the Judiciary, Sheikh Yasin Muhammad Nour Fatani maintained good social relations with his subordinates, whom he respected and often relied upon for administrative tasks after earning their affection and trust in many matters. He occasionally hosted evening gatherings for dinner with them, especially on Friday afternoons.

Hobbies:
His hobbies included reading religious books and poetry. His brother, Sheikh Ahmad, encouraged him to care for the books, especially the works of his grandfather Sheikh Dawood bin Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad bin Ismail, and their father Sheikh Muhammad Nour, and encouraged their distribution or sale to students of knowledge. Sheikh Yasin Fatani loved to travel. May Allah have mercy on him, he was keen to visit the city of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, (Medina) and loved to travel with his brother Ahmad, his brother Abdulghafoor, and his son Khalid, who was pleased to drive them in his car to Medina for the weekend holiday. He would leave them to visit the Noble Prophet's Mosque and follow up on the endowment affairs in Medina. Their trip would last for a week, sometimes ten days, until they completed their mission. His hobbies included traveling and seeking knowledge; he took several trips outside the Kingdom with his siblings, their children, and friends. He was keen to visit international exhibitions, museums, and tourist sites in Syria, and later traveled to Egypt, bringing his family, children, his brother Abdulghafoor, his brother Abdullah, and his mother. He returned to Egypt again in 1377 AH (c. 1957 CE), accompanied by his family and children, visiting Alexandria, Helwan, and other tourist landmarks. During this trip, he was blessed with a son whom he named Amin, in Rabi' al-Thani 1377 AH (c. November 1957 CE). He then returned to Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Yasin traveled to America and Malaysia, where he met his relatives and cousins in Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, and Kelantan. He also visited Pakistan, where he met his cousin Sheikh Saleh Fatani, who was the Kingdom's ambassador to Pakistan. May Allah have mercy on him, he was keen to participate in his children's events and joys. He traveled to the United States to attend the graduation ceremony of his son Dr. Muhammad Nour Yasin for his doctoral degree, and traveled to Riyadh between 1390-1396 AH (c. 1970-1976 CE) to attend the graduation ceremony of his daughter Maryam Yasin for her doctoral degree, and traveled to Riyadh for the wedding of his daughter Maryam Yasin to Hazza Al-Ghamdi. Sheikh Yasin was passionate about visiting historical and tourist sites in the Kingdom that he had read about extensively. He visited the Najran region in the south of Saudi Arabia, visiting the city of Al-Ukhdood and the historical landmarks of Najran city, accompanied by his brother Sheikh Abdullah Muhammad Nour Fatani. He also visited the hot spring in Al-Hofuf and Mount Jawatha and was keen to visit mosques in all the areas he visited.

Investments and Economic Activity:
May Allah have mercy on him, he was keen to invest a portion of his savings in several areas, including real estate, where he invested in purchasing land in Mecca, Jeddah, and Taif, as well as an apartment building in the Al-Aziziyah area in Mecca and in Taif. He also had investment activity in company stocks and had a successful policy in managing those stocks.

Death:
Sheikh Yasin bin Muhammad Nour Fatani passed away at the age of approximately eighty-two on 16 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1412 AH (c. May 19, 1992 CE) at his home in the Al-Aziziyah district of Mecca. Prayers were performed over him at the Grand Mosque after the Fajr prayer, and he was buried in the Al-Ma'la cemetery in Mecca, where the grave of Lady Khadijah is located. May Allah have mercy on the deceased.