The Skirj family of Morocco traces its origins to Andalusia, having migrated and settled in Morocco since the 10th century AH. The family took its name from the “Skirj” area near Granada, and the origin of the name refers to a cold mountain that accumulates snow throughout the year. The family spread across Moroccan cities such as Rabat and Fes, gaining prominence by holding esteemed positions and earning the trust of Moroccan sultans, such as managing important religious zaouias.
The family’s lineage extends to the Ansar tribe and the Khazraj tribe, and specifically traces back to the noble companion Hassan ibn Thabit, the poet of the Prophet. It is mentioned that Hassan embraced Islam after being impressed by the grandeur of the Prophet, and the Prophet honored him, making him a defender of Islam through his poetry. The Skirj family inherited this noble legacy and excelled in science and literature, proudly boasting of its Arab heritage and its deep connection to Islamic history.
Throughout the ages, the Skirj family has produced prominent scholars, mystics, writers, and historians. Among them are four notable figures who exemplify the authenticity and depth of this family. The first is the poet and writer (minister), the noble and virtuous Muhammad bin al-Tayyib, who served as the scribe to Sultan Sidi Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Alawi.
Next is the engineer Al-Zubair bin Abd al-Wahhab, who studied modern sciences in England and returned to serve his homeland Morocco by holding important diplomatic and military positions, contributing to the establishment and development of several national projects. The scholar and historian Abd al-Salam bin Ahmad is also notable for immortalizing the history of Tetouan in his unique book that gathered the history and notable figures of the city.
Further adding to the family’s glory is the role of Al-Makki bin al-Barnousi Skirj in leading the Moroccan army after the defeat of Tetouan, a task assigned to him by Moulay Muhammad bin Abd al-Rahman al-Alawi when he saw the deteriorating condition of Morocco following its defeat by the Spanish army in that unfortunate war. The memory of this family remains cherished, with the Prophet’s prayer for their protection and salvation, bestowing upon the family a blessed legacy passed down proudly by its descendants.
In this regard, it is fitting to mention a noble story that the Skirj family can rejoice in. This is the prayer of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for them, as narrated by the scholar Sidi Ahmed bin Al-Haj Al-Ayachi Skirj in his book Tanbeeh al-Ikhwan, where he discusses those whom Allah has honored and the limitless nature of His blessings. He said: “Lady Rukaya, the daughter of our maternal brother Sidi Muhammad (Al-Laban) Skirj, saw the Prophet (PBUH) and asked him for a prayer, and he prayed for her. He said, ‘O Allah, grant her success and grant success to the descendants of the Skirj family.’ He then said to her, ‘Say: Muhammad has enslaved me. Allah. Allah. Muhammad is my guiding light. Allah. Allah.’ She continued saying this until she awoke from her sleep…” We thank Allah for His encompassing prayer for us, and we are grateful for His care and attention to us. End quote from Tanbeeh al-Ikhwan.
