Ancient Competencies
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Sheikh Mohamed Tahar AÏT ALDJET
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Religious Scholar, Teacher, Freedom Fighter Areas of Expertise: Islamic Theology, Jurisprudence, Religious Education, Algerian History |
Birth, Origins & Education
Sheikh Mohamed Tahar Aït Aldjet was born on the 5th day of the blessed month of Muharram 1335 AH, corresponding to February 7, 1917, in Tamokra, Béjaïa province. Coming from a pious Kabyle family, he grew up in an environment steeped in spirituality and knowledge.
From a very young age, Tahar demonstrated remarkable aptitude for religious learning. At the age of just 12, he succeeded in memorizing the entire Holy Quran, showing exceptional memory and early devotion to the sacred texts.
His education continued under the guidance of renowned learned masters. He studied theology, Arabic language, history, and mathematics under his principal master Aït Djer, a close collaborator of the famous reformer Ben Badis. He also benefited from the teaching of Sheikhs Mohamed Ali Taïbi, El Khiari, Hannachi, Mesbah, Tounsi, and El Ghezouani. This exceptional educational journey shaped his scholarly personality and formed the foundations of his intellectual, spiritual, and patriotic elevation.
Career
Sheikh Aït Aldjet's career was characterized by constant commitment to serving his homeland and faith. During the War of National Liberation (1954-1962), he demonstrated exemplary courage and considerable sacrifices, fighting alongside the legendary Colonel Amirouche for Algeria's independence.
In 1956, after the bombing of the zaouia of Sidi Yahia El-Aïdli, the Sheikh joined the Revolution with his students, testifying to his unwavering patriotic commitment. In 1957, at the express request of Colonel Amirouche, he went to Tunisia then to Tripoli, Libya, where he was appointed as a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN) bureau, thus participating in the diplomatic and organizational effort of the revolution.
After independence in 1962, Sheikh Aït Aldjet returned to Algeria and devoted himself to educating young generations. He was appointed as a teacher in the prestigious high schools of the capital: Okba Ben Nafaa and Amara Rachid (Ben Aknoun), positions he held with devotion until his retirement in 1978.
At the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, he resumed his activities as a preacher, providing "Dourouss" (religious lessons) and spiritual counsel. He also delivered Friday sermons at El Ghazali (Hydra) and Dar al-Arqam mosques, thus reaching thousands of faithful through his teaching imbued with tolerance and moderation.
Distinctions & Recognition
Sheikh Mohamed Tahar Aït Aldjet is recognized as one of the most eminent religious and jurisprudence scholars in Algeria. His contribution to establishing a religious reference based on tolerance and moderation earned him unanimous respect from his peers and the country's religious authorities.
His role during the war of national liberation and his participation in the FLN's leading bodies confer upon him unquestionable historical legitimacy. He is recognized as a symbol of Algerian intellectual and spiritual resistance.
At his death in June 2023 at the venerable age of 106, he received national honors. The highest authorities of the country paid tribute to his memory, and his burial at Aissat Idir cemetery in Beni Messous took place in the presence of numerous religious and political personalities.
Works, Impact & Influence
Sheikh Aït Aldjet's work is characterized by its richness and diversity. He left a considerable literary and intellectual legacy, including notably an autobiographical work gathering his memoirs, in which he recounts Algeria's tumultuous history through his personal experience.
His audio contributions are also remarkable, particularly his recorded explanations of Ibn Abi Zeid El Kairaouani's letter and selected texts from the "El-Mouatae" series, essential references in Islamic jurisprudence.
His influence is particularly measured through the numerous personalities he trained. Among his most illustrious students are former minister Mouloud Kacem Naït Belkacem and Sheikh Abou Abdessalam, who in turn became intellectual and religious references in Algeria.
Beyond his writings, it is through the training of thousands of Algerian executives that Sheikh Aït Aldjet lastingly marked his country's intellectual and spiritual history. His pedagogical approach, combining scientific rigor and spiritual wisdom, influenced several generations of students and religious scholars.
He is universally recognized as a model scholar who knew how to "handle both the word and the pistol," perfectly embodying the figure of the scholar-fighter, a pillar of Algeria's post-independence intellectual renaissance.