The late Sheikh Abu Hassib As'ad Al-Sayegh was one of the prominent religious sheikhs in Lebanon in the second half of the twentieth century. Sheikh Abu Hussein Mahmoud Faraj bestowed upon him the rounded turban in 1953 alongside a group of sheikhs, in recognition of the high religious status he attained and the great esteem he reached.
In Maaseriti
Sheikh Abu Hassib was born in the village of Maaseriti in the year 1889. He was raised guided by the Unitarian (Tawhid) teachings in a home of literature, morals, and faith. He grew into a devout and pious man, participating from his youth with men of religion everywhere in religious discussions and public gatherings. He memorized the Noble Knowledge (Al-Ma'lum Al-Sharif) by heart while still in the prime of his youth, and came to occupy a prominent religious stature among men of religion in Lebanon and everywhere, owing to his character, knowledge, stances, principles, and adherence to the tenets of religious law and faith.
He was a man of influential word within both the religious and non-religious communities; people turned to him for arbitration in their disputes, where his judgment was never rejected nor his word contested. His renown extended to other denominations, making him a well-known and respected figure among all communities, possessing influence and a respected voice, and his name shone brightly among members of the Druze community everywhere.
He passed away to the mercy of Almighty God in early July 1977, and a solemn funeral was held for him, attended by most senior religious figures from Syria and Lebanon, with prominent sheikhs and officials delivering eulogies. A chamber was built beside his shrine for blessing in his hometown of Maaseriti, visited by sheikhs, visitors, and devotees.
Sheikh Abu Hassan Aref Halawi
Sheikh Abu Hassib As'ad Al-Sayegh had given his daughter in marriage to Sheikh Abu Hassan Aref Halawi and encouraged him to reside in Maaseriti. His late son, Sheikh Hassib As'ad Al-Sayegh, was raised upon the same principle of piety and righteousness, and he too was bestowed the rounded turban.
