Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raaji'oon!
Ameen to your dua brother.
It is a truly immense loss for us. It is further unfortunate given the fact that so few from the Ummah actually benefitted directly from him – though his vast knowledge and ability made him a household name through his fatawa that are so widespread. The sheikh’s loss is truly great one. Death of the people of knowledge is a curse and a burden upon the ummah.
The following is a link on the life of the Sheikh. It is in Arabic so apologies for those that cannot understand Arabic. Also notice that the Sheikh had a very rough voice because of throat cancer that he had – despite which the sheikh continued teaching for tens of hours daily:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIJp4iTx4Zg
One matter which everyone points out about the sheikh is that he was fearless – always speaking the truth. He was also very down to earth and always ready to defend his brothers in Islam. He leaves behind tens of fuqahah and students who have gained a lot of knowledge from him – the most well known to us all is Sheikh Haitham alHaddad from UK. The knowledge of the sheikh lives on through him and the rest of the scholars that he has raised with his loving care.
“Where ever you are, death will certainly find you – even if you are on a high fortified castle!”
Wa Alaikum Salam wr wb