Syeikh Abdullah Fahim

Syeikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim Badawi Fahim (Jawi: ; 1869 – 27 April 1961) was a Malaysian Islamic scholar, nationalist, writer, and expert in Islamic astronomy (falak). He is noted for determining the date of Malaya's independence as 31 August 1957 when consulted by national leaders. He served as the first Mufti of Penang following Malaysian independence and was the paternal grandfather of Malaysia’s fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Early life and education Abdullah Fahim was born in Sha‘b ‘Ali, a district near Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, in 1869 CE, which was then under the Ottoman Empire. Some accounts suggest that he was born in Kampung Kubur Panjang, Kedah, before moving to Mecca with his father, Sheikh Ibrahim Tahir. In addition to religious studies, it is reported that he was exposed to discussions on international and Islamic politics. He continued to teach until 1947.

Abdullah Fahim was recognised for advancing Islamic astronomy (falak), He was also known as a writer and poet, authoring works such as Khutbah Penyedar (Awakening Sermons) and compiling a prayer calendar. Abdullah Fahim also advised the Tunku to pursue multiracial cooperation to fulfill British conditions for independence and provided strategic recommendations regarding negotiations in London, suggesting departure by ship and return by air.

Legacy Abdullah Fahim died on 27 April 1961 in Kepala Batas, Kedah. He was popularly known as "the Pauper King" (Raja Papa), a nickname reflecting his modest lifestyle despite holding significant religious and social positions. His contributions to falak included a perpetual prayer timetable and an early astronomical observation site.

His descendants, including his son Ahmad Badawi and grandson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, would later become prominent leaders in UMNO, a rival political party historically opposed to PAS.

On 12 February 2008, then Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the inaugural Chair of the Islam Hadhari Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, named in honour of his grandfather. The institute was described as the first of its kind in the country, intended to promote a deeper understanding of Islam nationally and internationally.