jordan pulse -

There are men who merely pass through public office, men whose offices leave a mark on their biography, and a few who combine knowledge and responsibility to define an entire career. Among these was Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Abbadi—scholar, jurist, administrator, and minister—who merged deep knowledge with state presence, blending the calm of a scholar with the decisiveness of an official.
Born in Amman in 1943, Al-Abbadi began a long journey of education that took him to Damascus University and then to Al-Azhar University, where he earned a master's degree in comparative jurisprudence with distinction and a doctorate with highest honors. He returned to Jordan viewing his academic achievements not merely as degrees on a wall, but as a profound responsibility toward society and the state.
His career began in academia as a professor of comparative jurisprudence, head of the Department of Jurisprudence and Legislation, and dean of student affairs. He then transitioned to public administration, serving as undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and director general of the Orphan Wealth Development Corporation, before assuming the post of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs—a position he held across multiple governments.
Al-Abbadi was also prominent in broader decision-making circles, serving as chairman of the Board of Trustees and president of Al al-Bayt University, holding memberships in numerous international scientific and Islamic councils, and serving as Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.
He viewed religious institutions through the lens of practical impact rather than rhetoric, spearheading initiatives such as the establishment of the Hajj Fund. Testimonies from colleagues, including Dr. Faisal Al-Rafou, highlight Al-Abbadi as a trusted reference consulted on legislation and cabinet affairs, widely respected across government for his expertise, quiet authority, and commitment.
Throughout his lifetime, Al-Abbadi authored dozens of works and studies covering jurisprudence, Islamic economics, property rights, social security, and Islamic thought. His research earned high acclaim from Al-Azhar scholars, who cited his doctoral thesis as an extraordinary and cohesive body of work.
Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Abbadi passed away in Jeddah in 2020, with funeral prayers held in Mecca followed by burial in Al-Mu'alla cemetery. Tributes following his death included praise from Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and advisor to the Saudi Royal Court, who remembered him as a firm, punctual scholar of vast knowledge and precise understanding, while others remembered him as an exemplar of moderation, tolerance, and devotion to public service.
Source: Rum News Agency