Imam Muhammad 'Abdullah ibn 'Alawi al-Haddad 'alayhi ar-Rahman w'al-Ridwan, lived at Tarim in the Hadramawt Valley between Yemen and Oman. He is widely accepted as the mujaddid (or renewer) of the 12th Islamic century. He is a direct descendant of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam, through Imam al-Husayn, Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu. His illustrious ancestors, the 'Alawi sayyids, had for centuries produced generation after generation of great scholars, gnostics and summoners to the Straight Path.

A celebrated scholar of the Shafi'i School of Jurisprudence, Imam al-Haddad was renowned for the breadth of his knowledge and the profundity of insight. He is also known for compiling litanies of dhikr taken from the Qur'an and the Prophet, Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam. His influence on the Islamic world is reflected by the fact that his books are still in print and have been translated into many languages. Imam al-Haddad, 'alayhir rahman, passed away in 1132 A.H., after having spent his entire life helping people draw closer to their Lord through the Imam's personal teachings, written works, and his exemplary life. He was buried in a simple grave in a cemetery at Tarim.