About the Author: Shaykh Mateen ibn John – Wesley Franklin – Sabree
In the landscape of American Islamic scholarship, few figures possess a journey as transformative and historic as Shaykh Mateen ibn John – Wesley Franklin – Sabree. Born Dwight Lee Franklin in Elberton, Georgia, Shaykh Mateen’s life is a testament to resilience, weaving together personal milestones with the broader canvas of American history. Tracing his lineage back to the Jim Crow South, he and his sister were the first in their family line to be born in a hospital, as previous generations were barred by segregation.
A National Pioneer
Shaykh Mateen is a historic pioneer in the United States. In 1987, he emerged as the first-known U.S. citizen to receive a degree in Islamic Shariah from the Islamic University of Madina in Saudi Arabia. This achievement was a distinct moment in national history, as he was the first Westerner to undergo a full-time Arabic curriculum abroad to acquire such a degree.
His academic foundations were laid at Morehouse College, where he graduated in 1974 with a double major in Business Administration and English Literature. Despite receiving prestigious offers from other universities and the military, he chose a path of religious devotion and community service.
A Legacy of Service and Clinical Expertise
For nearly five decades, Shaykh Mateen has dedicated his life to the betterment of individuals and society. His distinguished career includes:
- Federal Leadership: He is a retired Imam/Chaplain for the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), where he served at numerous duty stations, including USP Atlanta and the Butner Medical Complex.
- Behavioral Health Expert: For over 25 years, he has provided addiction counseling primarily for mental health patients.
- Community Advocacy: He currently serves as a Group Facilitator for Clayton County’s Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders, utilizing faith-based guidance to minimize the negative impacts of incarceration and substance abuse.
Wisdom Founded on Stability
Shaykh Mateen’s insights into family life are not merely academic; they are grounded in a profound personal legacy. He has enjoyed a fruitful 45-year marriage to his wife, Umm Ahmad Ameerah, and was raised under the awe-inspiring example of his parents’ 73-year union.
Through his inaugural book, Marriage and Monotheism (the first in a five-volume series), Shaykh Mateen codifies decades of clinical counseling and Shariah expertise. His work serves as a portal for couples to enhance their appreciation for the Name of Allah as the ultimate foundation for a strong and enduring life.
A Mission of Truth and Sincerity
At the heart of Shaykh Mateen’s teaching is the concept of Kalimatul-Haqq—the Word of Truth. He emphasizes that individual and group success can be reduced to two primary terms: being completely honest with oneself and being honestly devoted to the Creator. Whether through his lectures on truth and sincerity or his written works, his mission remains clear: to guide others toward an enlightened path through the wisdom of the Qur'an and the Prophetic Sunnah.