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Idris II, the son of Idris I, was born on the blessed day of Monday, the 3rd of Rajab 177 AH (October 14, 793 CE), emerging into this world as a divine mercy after his father's martyrdom. His very birth was a miracle from God, as his father Imam Idris I had been martyred by order of Harun al-Rashid just months before. Yet God preserved the blessed lineage through his mother, Princess Kanza al-Awrabiya, who carried this sacred trust in her womb.
Imam Idris II belonged to the most honored lineage in all of creation - descending directly from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his grandson al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib. His full lineage is: Idris ibn Idris ibn Abdullah ibn al-Hassan ibn al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib al-Hasani al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, from the blessed household of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt). This noble descent placed upon him both the spiritual authority and sacred responsibility to guide the believers and spread the light of Islam.
Like his blessed father, Idris II possessed both outer and inner beauty. He was described as fair-skinned with a radiant glow, with kohl-lined eyes that reflected deep spirituality, curly hair, handsome features, and a dignified presence. But more importantly, his spiritual qualities shone even brighter than his physical beauty.
His Spiritual Attributes:
The book Rawd al-Qirtas beautifully describes how young Idris was raised to be a beacon of Islamic knowledge and spiritual leadership. His guardian Rashid understood that this blessed child was destined for great spiritual responsibilities.
His Islamic Education:
This comprehensive Islamic education prepared him to be not just a political leader, but a spiritual guide (murshid) for the believers who were still new to Islam in Morocco.
One of Idris II's greatest spiritual legacies was establishing Fez as a center of Islamic learning and worship. In 193 AH (809 CE), he founded the Qarawiyyin district, which would later house one of the world's oldest universities and mosques.
The Sacred Orientation: The Qarawiyyin Mosque was built facing south, following the understanding that "between east and west is the qibla" - a hadith narrated from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This reflected the spiritual wisdom in aligning the house of worship with divine guidance.
Idris II transformed Morocco from tribal customs to Islamic principles, appointing righteous and learned individuals to positions of religious authority:
Idris II dedicated himself to spreading Islam to the remote regions of Morocco that his father had not reached:
Imam Idris II embodied the Prophetic qualities:
On the 12th of Jumada al-Akhira 213 AH (August 29, 828 CE), at only thirty-six years of age, this blessed Imam left this earthly realm. Historical sources indicate he was poisoned - martyred like his father - by those who feared the spread of true Islamic knowledge and the authority of Ahl al-Bayt.
He died in the city of Fez and was buried there, and his blessed grave became a place of spiritual visitation for believers seeking barakah (divine blessing).
Poets honored this blessed Imam with verses celebrating his sacred lineage:
"The dwellings of the people of God, the family of His Messenger
How beloved are these people and how beloved is their abode
The city of Idris ibn Idris in which
His grave rests and his pulpit is built"
Another proclaimed:
"O Fez, may God bless the land whose soilChose the descendant of the Messenger Muhammad"
Though Imam Idris II lived over 1,200 years ago, his spiritual legacy continues to illuminate Morocco. He transformed the Maghreb into a land of Islamic knowledge, established institutions of learning that still stand today, and showed that true leadership combines both worldly governance and spiritual guidance.
May God be pleased with Imam Idris II, grant him the highest stations in Jannah, and allow us to benefit from his blessed lineage and righteous example. May his story inspire us to seek sacred knowledge, uphold the Sunnah, and serve Islam with sincerity. Ameen.
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