Remembering Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril: The 81-Year-Old Quran Scholar Executed in Egypt

Four years ago, on the 14th of Ramadan 1442H, Egypt witnessed a tragic and deeply controversial event—the execution of Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril, an 81-year-old religious scholar known for his dedication to the Quran. His execution, along with eight others, sparked international outrage, raising concerns over human rights violations and the fairness of Egypt’s judicial system.

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Who Was Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril?

Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril was a well-respected scholar and teacher of the Quran in Egypt. He devoted his life to Islamic education, guiding students in memorizing and understanding the holy book. Over the years, he gained recognition for his piety, knowledge, and commitment to spreading Islamic teachings. Many in his community regarded him as a symbol of wisdom and faith.

The Circumstances of His Execution

The Egyptian authorities executed Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril on April 26, 2021, at the Wadi Natrun prison complex in the Beheira province. He was among nine men sentenced to death for allegedly attacking a police station in Kerdasa, a town near Cairo, in 2013. The incident followed the military’s removal of former President Mohamed Morsi, which led to widespread unrest across the country.

Despite the Egyptian government’s claims that these men were responsible for the attack, numerous human rights organizations reported that the trial was deeply flawed. According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the defendants faced torture, forced confessions, and unfair legal proceedings. The case was widely criticized for violating international human rights standards.

A Grossly Unfair Trial

The trial that led to Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril’s execution was marked by several concerns:

Lack of Evidence – The prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence linking Jibril and others to the alleged attack. Many of the accused were arrested merely for being in the vicinity of Kerdasa at the time of the incident.
Forced Confessions – Reports indicate that security forces used torture and coercion to extract confessions from the defendants, making the trial unreliable.
Collective Punishment – The trial involved mass sentencing, where multiple individuals received the same punishment regardless of their individual involvement.
No Proper Legal Representation – Many defendants, including Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril, were denied their right to a fair defense, further undermining the credibility of the verdict.

Global Reactions and Condemnation

The execution of Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril and the other eight men triggered widespread condemnation from international human rights groups and activists. Amnesty International called it a “travesty of justice,” while the United Nations expressed concern over Egypt’s increasing use of the death penalty. Many believed that executing an 81-year-old scholar, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, was a grave injustice.

Islamic scholars and religious leaders worldwide also mourned the loss of Sheikh Abdul Rahim, describing his execution as a violation of fundamental human rights. They emphasized the need for fair trials and the protection of religious figures from politically motivated charges.

The Legacy of Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril

Despite his tragic execution, Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril’s legacy as a scholar of the Quran lives on. His students and followers continue to honor his memory by spreading the knowledge he imparted. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, the need for legal reforms, and the ongoing struggle for human rights in Egypt.

Conclusion

The execution of Sheikh Abdul Rahim Jibril remains a painful chapter in Egypt’s recent history. His death symbolizes the broader concerns surrounding human rights violations and the suppression of dissent in the country. As the world remembers him, the call for justice and fair legal processes in Egypt grows stronger. His life, dedicated to the Quran, will always be remembered, and his unjust execution will continue to be a point of reflection for those advocating for truth and fairness.

( Writer : Sheikh Mohammad Isa )