( Following the habit of Ahwal Al-Ma'rifah magazine in presenting distinguished individuals in their generous contributions in the service of their country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on its pages, to introduce them through what they excelled in within these services, the magazine reviews in this article the biography of Dr. Ali Al-Daffa', who is considered one of the genius scientists in the Kingdom in mathematical sciences, as well as on the global level, and his science has earned him a scientific position in his country and international scientific circles, and he has also been honored by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may d protect him, by granting him the King Abdulaziz Medal of the first degree in the (33rd) session of Janadriyah in 1440AH )

Dr. Abdul Karim Ibrahim Al-Samak 

Dr. Al-Daffa has enriched the library of Islamic civilization through his publication of the complete heritage of Islamic civilization in its scientific framework, whether in the definition of the men of this heritage, or in the giving of their various sciences. This civilizational heritage brought Westerners out of the dark ages they were living in. I have come to know this great gift through my standing over those who served this great heritage and sought justice for it from Arabs and Muslims, in addition to an elite group of orientalists, including: (George Sarton, Sédillot, Dieulafoy, Le Bon, Lillefeld, and Playfair), but the German Professor (Eilhard Wiedemann) and among the Arab scholars who served this heritage were Professor Roshdi Rashed and Professor Galal Shawky.

On these footsteps, Dr. Al-Daffa walked after he observed the Westerners' denial of the contribution of the civilization of the message of Islam in all sciences and arts, especially in the mathematical sciences known by Muslims. He wrote a book for them in English under the title: "The Contribution of Muslim Scholars to Mathematics" and the book was translated into Arabic by Dr. Galal Shawky. What Dr. Shawky found in the translation was an issue concerning the author of the book, who is Al-Daffa. Dr. Shawky says: "Many have written before about the contribution of Muslim scholars in various sciences, but what sent my joy is what manifested in this book of a spirit unprecedented in authorship. The author combined depth of science and faith, so he was not just a narrator of history, and the definition was not just a transfer from one language to another, but a reflection of a new philosophy that Muslim authors must follow in analyzing the spirit of Islam as the greatest heavenly message."

Upbringing and Birth:

Dr. Ali Al-Daffa traces his origins to the Al-Owaid clan branching from Tamim, which resides in Al-Mithnab. In the city of Unayzah was his birth, in the year 1358 AH / 1938 AD. He lived and grew up there and took the title "Al-Daffa" from his grandfather Saleh Al-Owaid. There he lived his educational life, studying all educational levels before university. His country was living in an era of race against time in the issue of the educational renaissance, ahead of other Saudi cities, especially Najdi cities. In this aspect, it was among the first cities in this educational renaissance. Dr. Ali was perhaps among the pioneers who obtained the secondary certificate with a distinguished grade, so he was nominated to meet King Saud - may d have mercy on him - for the purpose of his scholarship to study in the United States of America. 

Dr. Ali in a meeting with King Saud:

The Kingdom proceeded forward in its educational policy, and due to its need for scientific cadres from its sons, it proceeded in sending its sons on scholarships to Western countries and the United States of America. Dr. Al-Daffa was nominated for a scholarship, and for the sake of his scholarship he had an interview meeting with King Saud, he and five other students. Dr. Al-Daffa's person caught the attention of King Saud with his worn-out robe that he was wearing, which no one else had with him when he attended the meeting with King Saud. King Saud said to those around him: "I want the owner of the worn robe," and Dr. Ali stepped forward. The King said to him: "I know that you have mastered herding sheep, and I want you to master herding minds." Here, Dr. Ali's manners with King Saud are manifested. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree at Stephen F. Austin University in 1967, he made his travel route to visit his country via Greece to visit King Saud where he was residing. He entered his office manager and told him the story. The manager asked him: Are you the owner of the story? He said to him: Yes, I am the owner of the worn robe. He met King Saud to thank him for his od faith in his selection. This image in Dr. Ali embodies an image of the sublimity of his manners in his noble person. After finishing his visit, he intended his country to visit it, and after the end of the visit, he returned to America to pursue graduate studies. He obtained a Master's degree in 1968 from the University of Texas, and a PhD from Vanderbilt University. After finishing his studies, he returned to the Kingdom...