About The Author

A Legacy of Truth and Sincerity: The Remarkable Journey of Shaykh Mateen 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. His life is a testament to resilience, weaving together personal milestones with the broader canvas of American history.

From the Jim Crow South to the prestigious halls of Madinah, Shaykh Mateen’s story is one of breaking barriers and building bridges.

A National Pioneer in Islamic Scholarship

Born Dwight Lee Franklin in 1952, Shaykh Mateen’s very birth was a milestone: he and his sister were the first in their family line to be born in a hospital, as previous generations were barred by the systemic segregation of the Jim Crow era.

This spirit of "firsts" followed him into his academic career. After graduating from Morehouse College in 1974 with a double major in Business Administration and English Literature, he bypassed lucrative corporate and military offers to pursue a path of religious devotion.

In 1987, he made history as the first-known U.S. citizen to receive a degree in Islamic Shariah from the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. As the first Westerner to complete a full-time Arabic curriculum to earn such a prestigious degree, he paved the way for a generation of American students seeking traditional Islamic knowledge abroad.

Decades of Service: From Federal Prisons to Clinical Health

For nearly five decades, Shaykh Mateen has balanced his role as a spiritual leader with a deep commitment to social welfare and behavioral health. His professional legacy is defined by a unique intersection of faith and clinical expertise:

  • Federal Leadership: He is a retired Imam/Chaplain for the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). His service spanned numerous high-stakes duty stations, including USP Atlanta and the Butner Medical Complex.
  • Behavioral Health Expert: For over 25 years, he has served as an addiction counselor, specializing in care for mental health patients.
  • Community Advocacy: Today, he serves as a Group Facilitator for the Clayton County Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders. In this role, he utilizes faith-based guidance to help individuals navigate the challenges of substance abuse and the aftermath of incarceration.

Wisdom Founded on Stability: "Marriage and Monotheism"

Shaykh Mateen’s insights into family life aren't just theoretical—they are grounded in a profound personal legacy of stability.

He has enjoyed a fruitful 45-year marriage to his wife, Umm Ahmad Ameerah, and was raised under the incredible example of his parents’ 73-year union.

To share this wisdom with the world, he authored Marriage and Monotheism, the first in a five-volume series. The book codifies decades of clinical counseling and Shariah expertise, offering couples a blueprint for building an enduring life founded on the Name of Allah.

The Mission: Kalimatul-Haqq (The Word of Truth)

At the core of Shaykh Mateen’s teaching is the concept of Kalimatul-Haqq—the Word of Truth. He posits that both individual and communal success can be distilled into two fundamental principles:

  1. Honesty with oneself.
  2. Honest devotion to the Creator.

Today, Shaykh Mateen Sabree remains a vital bridge between traditional Islamic scholarship and modern behavioral health, offering a roadmap for those seeking truth, healing, and spiritual sincerity in the 21st century.

Key Takeaway: Shaykh Mateen Sabree’s journey proves that the most powerful legacy is one built on the intersection of academic excellence, community service, and unwavering personal integrity.