Sheikh Abderrahmane Chibane dies

ALGIERS – Head of the Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Abderrahmane Chibane dies here on Friday aged 93, after long disease, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said.

Previously on November 18, 2008 Echorouk Newspaper paid tribute to Abderahmane Chibane for his itinerary and his scientific and educational achievements

In a ceremony that brought together his compagnons and friends as well as his students and funs, Cheikh chibane was the focus.

Cheikh Abderrahmane Chibane was born in 1918 in the locality of Echorfa province of Bouira east of Algiers. He learnt the Quran and studies Arabic and Islamic jurisprudence in his home town, and in neighboring Bejaia.

He then joined El Zaytouna College in Tunis. There he was exposed to nationalist and reformist ideas. He soon became president of the Algerian students association. He was graduated from El Zaytouna in 1947.

Cheikh Bachir El Ibrahimi appointed him at his return home teacher of Arabic literature in the Ibn Badis institute of Constantine, east of Algeria.

Early in the 50s he joined the civil wing of the National Liberation Front. He was jailed along with his wife under the French occupation for his activities.

At independence Chibane fought against tendencies that tried to impose anti-religious political system in Algeria. He also contributed to the elaboration of the Algerian constitution.

Later in the 80s he was appointed Minister of Religious Affairs and helped organize the famous seminars on the Islamic thought.

Chibane brought back to life the association of Muslim scholars founded by the Algeria Islamic icon Abdelahamid Ben Badis.

Despite his age the president of the Association of Muslim scholars is vivid and dynamic. He is known for eloquence and the art of debate.  

They said about the Cheikh

Mohammed Alleg (war veteran):

The participation of Algerian students in the fight for the liberation of Palestine in the 40s was partly thanks to Chibane who was inciting students to fight against occupation in Palestine and Algeria.

Zoubir Toualbi (former student of Chibane):

Cheikh Chibane was loved by everybody. He has always been a handsome man and a learned personality. He is also known for successful educational methods.