Shaykh Hassan `Ali Cisse

Shaykh Hassan Cisse was born in Kaolack, Senegal in December, 1945. He is a son of Shaykh Sayyidna `Ali Cisse and he is the first grandson of Shaykh-Al-Islam, Al Hajj lbrahima Niasse whom illuminated the essence of Islam throughout West Africa, both of whom are regarded as renowned Islamic scholars. After memorizing the Holy Qur`an at an early age, Shaykh Hassan completed his elementary and post elementary studies in Senegal. Educated in Senegal, Mauritania, Egypt, England and the United States, he holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Literature from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He holds a Diploma in French Language, a Certificate in English Language and a Master of Philosophy Degree from the University of London. During the time that he was engaged in research toward a Ph.D in Islamic Studies at Northwestern University in Chicago, his father, Shaykh Ali Cisse (R.A.) passed away. He was then recalled to Senegal to assume the inspired work that has given direction and meaning to millions of seekers of truth in Africa, Asia, Europe, and especially in the United States. Since Shaykh Hassan first came to America in 1976, he has been teaching, guiding, inspiring Muslims to fear Allah and love Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), and always reminding us to do what Allah says do, and stop where Allah says stop.

Al Hamdu li-llah. Shaykh Hassan Cisse is the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque in Madina Kaolack, Senegal and one of the leaders of the Tariqa Tijaniyya. Tariqa Tijaniyya is a Sufi brotherhood based exclusively on Qur`an and Hadith. Shaykh Hassan Cisse brought the Tariqa to the United States in 1976, introducing it to Muslims in America for the very first time. The Shaykh is the Founder and Chairman of The African American Islamic Institute, Inc., a tax exempt, international non-governmental organization (NGO) which functions in Senegal, The Gambia, Mauritania, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and in the United States.

Over the past twenty years, the Shaykh has traveled to various U.S. cities, many of which have honored him as a distinguished Islamic scholar and religious leader, and for the work of The African American Islamic Institute, Inc. Shaykh Hassan Cisse has been awarded the Keys to the City of Cleveland, OH, Detroit, MI, Washington, D.C. where June 16,1986 was proclaimed Shaykh Hassan Cisse Day, and Memphis, TN., which honored him as an Honorary Citizen of Memphis. He was also awarded a Certificate of Merit by the City of New Orleans, which proclaimed October 2, 1996 Shaykh Hassan Cisse Day.

Internationally, Shaykh Hassan Cisse has been recognized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) as a respected Islamic scholar and leader for his outstanding work and cooperation. He has constantly worked with the UNPFA towards achieving the goals set forth during the Cairo and Beijing conferences regarding human rights, to include family planning, the status of women, the education of girls, protection of children and the prevention of drug abuse. He has been recognized by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for his scholarship, leadership, cooperation and advocacy regarding the issues vital to the health, education and well being of children. The Shaykh has spoken extensively on these issues during his annual International Islamic Conferences in Senegal and The Gambia. As a result of his active involvement in human rights issues, Shaykh Hassan Cisse was invited to participate in a recent United Nations Conference for NGOS.

As the Founder and Chairman of The African American Islamic Institute, Inc., Shaykh Hassan Cisse has directed the guidelines for the Institute's humanitarian activities in keeping with the teachings of the religion of Islam. These activities feed the hungry, care for the sick, teach the unlettered, protect the interests of women and children, pursue knowledge, and foster peace and understanding among mankind. The Institute's objectives, are to develop a capability for sustained self-help in the areas of education, agriculture, health care, economic development and cultural exchange.

Following the footsteps of his beloved grandfather, Shaykh Hassan Cisse continues to travel, introducing the teachings of Islam to many individuals while also receiving recognition as one of the spiritual leaders of more than 60,000,000 people around the world.

Atlanta Speeches of Shaykh Hassan Cisse (1)

December 13, 1993 ~ Masjid Al-Mu'minun ~ Capitol Avenue, Atlanta, GA. ~ After Jumu`ah Prayer

After praising Allah and sending salutations and blessings upon the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Shaykh Hassan Cisse said: "My brothers and sisters in Islam, As-Salaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatu-llah Ta`ala wa Barakatuhu,"
"I am very pleased to be here with you today. First of all, I apologize because we came late. We couldn't find the way easily, that is why we came late. But Al Hamdu li-llah! Our brother has done a very good job. May Allah accept our prayers! May Allah accept all of our dua's (supplications), and all of our worship, Ameen! My advice to the community and to myself is that we are Muslims and we should fear Allah. That is the key to all good things in this life and in the hereafter. Allah says in the Qur`an that if you are asking for knowledge, fear Allah and Allah will teach you, for surely Allah knows everything. This religion of Islam is based on knowledge. All of it is addressing the intellect of the human being. The first word in it is the word 'READ!' I always say, that a Muslim has no excuse to be ignorant. It is an obligation upon every Muslim to seek for knowledge, male or female. From the time he or she is born until the time he or she enters the grave. Not only Islamic knowledge, but all types of knowledge. Seek Islamic knowledge together with worldly knowledge, because the Prophet pbuh) said that you should seek knowledge even if you have to go to China for it. And we know that at the time that the Prophet (pbuh) said this, he was not directing people to go to China for Islamic knowledge, but still he said these words. I am very pleased, once again to hear that you people are doing your best in making an effort to study Qur`an, and in trying to understand the meaning of this Book This Book is our Message. It is the last Message from Allah to all of mankind, and to every individual person. In it HE has said what HE likes, and what HE does not like. What HE likes; whoever does it, what will be the reward? And what HE does not like; whoever commits it, what will be the punishment on the Day of Judgment?

Today in this life we have choices. If Atlanta is not suitable to you, you can move to Washington, to New York, to Africa, to Asia, wherever you like. But on the Day of Judgment there is no choosing. You can only go to Paradise or to Hellfire, and you have to work for Paradise in this life. This is the way, and here, is the place to work for reward in the Hereafter. After making effort to understand the Book, you have to work. We have to apply the message of the Book in ourselves, in our daily activities, and in our relationships, because Allah has mentioned all of these things in this Book. And also because the Prophet (pbuh) has said 'I left with you what, if you hold fast onto it, you will never be led astray after me; that is the Book of Allah and my path.' The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), wherever mentioned, is what he said or did or has been said or done in front of him, and he accepted it. Elsewhere the Prophet (pbuh) said: 'All of mankind are going to Paradise except him who refused.' They asked him: 'Who would refuse to go to Paradise?' He said: 'Whoever obeys me, he has accepted to go to Paradise, and whoever disobeys me has refused to go to Paradise.'

Once again, we should tighten our relationships and our brotherhood as Muslims and act according to Islam. We are Muslims. Being a Muslim means you should be acting like a Muslim. You cannot claim to be a Muslim and be busy acting like someone else. If any person is doing that, he is fooling no one but himself. You can fool people, but no one can fool Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) has shown us the character of a Muslim, the character of a Believer and the character of a Migrator. He said: 'A Muslim is he whom, all Muslims are safe from both his tongue and his hand. He or she never uses his or her hand to harm any Muslims.' Muslims are our brothers and our sisters throughout the world. There are one billion Muslims (more or less), throughout the world. Whoever said 'La ilaha illa-llah, Muhammadar Rasulu-llah', he or she is considered as one of our large family. We should be nice to him or her. If you can help any Muslims, then you should do it. But if not; then at least don't harm any of the Muslims. A Mu'min (a Believer of the One God) is he from whom the Muslims are safe. They are safe in their lives, their property, and their wealth. They can trust him or her with their person, with their life, and with their wealth and nothing will happen to it. That is a Believer. Elsewhere, the Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Belief is what you have established in your heart, and your actions prove it.'

Migration has not ended with the migration of the Prophet (pbuh), from Mecca to Medina with his companions. He said: 'Still, whoever migrated away from what Allah has forbidden, he is considered a Muhajjir (Migrator).' May Allah help us! May Allah guide us to the right path! The right path is His Book, and in this Book, we have proof that all of it is truth from Allah. It is enough for us to read one ayat (verse) in Qur`an. Allah says: 'If We read it to you, follow the reading, and to explain it is up to Us.' When Allah said this the Qur`an was only in the Arabic language, and where? In Arabia. Today, the Qur`an has been translated into more than 70 languages. It is the most famous book in the world today. Despite the enemies of Islam and the fight against Islam, and against Muslims throughout the history of Islam, still the Qur`an is the most famous Book. Allah also promised: 'We are the One who revealed Qur`an and We are the One who will protect it.' Other Books, there is something added to them or something taken from them, but that does not happen to Qur`an. Wherever you read it (in Arabic), as soon as you make a mistake, a little boy will even correct you. That is one of the signs that this Book is well protected by Allah. Once again, I thank you and I am praying for you and I am very glad and pleased to be with you. As-Salaamu Alaykum, wa Rahmatu-llahi, wa Barakatuhu!"

The Imam of Masjid Al-Muminun, Imam William Abdur Raheem, extended cordiality to the Shaykh and asked him to give Kalimah Shahadah to a young brother. The Shaykh said to him: "Make your finger like this (holding up the index finger of his right hand). Repeat the words that I am saying. Say: 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah (he repeated them), wa ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulu-llah (he repeated them).' Say: 'I bear witness that there is no god but the One God (he repeated them), and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (he repeated them).' Do you believe that in your heart? (The answer is yes) Everyday you should pray 5 times: the morning prayers, noon, afternoon, sunset, and the night prayers. In every year you have to fast one month, that is the month of Ramadan. If you have wealth you have to give Zakat. That is the Poor Tax. It is 2.5 per cent of your wealth, after your necessary expenses, to be given to the poor people in every year. And also, if you have the means and ability to go to perform the pilgrimage of Islam (Hajj), you must go once in your lifetime to perform the pilgrimage to the Holy City Mecca. Do you accept all that? (The answer is yes) Say Al Hamdu li-llah." (He said Al Hamdu li-llah!) (The people said loudly:) TAKBIR! (Allah is Great), TAKBIR! TAKBIR!

Another young man wanted to accept Islam also. The Shaykh said: "Say 'Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulu-llah'. Do you believe that? (The responses were the same as above.) Everyday you have to pray 5 times: in the morning, noon, afternoon, sunset, and the night prayers. In every year you have to fast one month, that is the month of Ramadan. If you have wealth, you have to pay Zakat. That is Alms, 2.5 %, to be given to the poor people. If you have the means and ability to go to Mecca for the pilgrimage of Islam, you must go once in your lifetime to perform the pilgrimage of Islam. Do you accept that? Say 'Al-Hamdu li-llah'. Praise be to Allah!

Okay. From now on you are Muslims. Our obligations are now yours. The Muslims are your brothers and your sisters. If you can help Muslims anywhere in the world, please do help them. If not, at least do not harm a Muslim, either with your tongue, or with your hand. That is Islam. Whoever has lived after the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and died without saying the words 'La ilaha illa-llah, wa Muhammadar Rasulu-llah', Allah created him but He does not like him.
You have said it (The Words of The Witness). Be sure that Allah loves you. Try your best from now on to increase your knowledge of Islam. Try to read the Book, to understand its meaning, and to answer the call. Pray with them (the Muslims), and fast with them, and if you have wealth to support the cause of Islam, please go ahead and support Islam. What was your name (to the first one)? Kent Johnson? Okay. (We give you the name) Tajj-ud-deen. Muhammad Tajj-ud-deen." (The people say loudly:) TAKBIR! TAKBIR! TAKBIR!
Shaykh Hassan Cisse named the other brother Muhammad Abdus-Sami, and said: "Salaams, Salaams ... Farewell to Muslims at Capital Avenue."

Shaykh Hassan Cisse has received many declarations, medals, and awards. He has received the key to the cities of Memphis, Tennessee Cleveland, Ohio Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Michigan.

Atlanta Speechs of Shaykh Hassan Cisse

Certificates presented to Shaykh Hassan Cisse in April, 2000, U.S.A.

A Certificate presented to Shaykh Hassan Cisse saying that he has made a huge and precious contribution and that he has been a great help for the 'Movement Of Mauritanian Refugees' in Senegal. This certificate was given by the 'Humans Rights Defense' organization. [August-04]