Al-Habib Abu Bakr Attas bin Abdullah bin Alawi Al-Habshi al-Husayni - may Allah have mercy on him - was born in Yemen in 1328 AH and was raised by his father. He memorized the Quran and studied the principles of knowledge under his brother, Al-Husayn. Later, Al-Habib Abu Bakr joined the Ribat of Tarim, where he received instruction from notable scholars, including Shaykh Abdullah bin Umar Al-Shatiri and Shaykh Umar bin Ahmad bin Sumayt.

In 1392 AH, he undertook the pilgrimage to Mecca and decided to remain there, establishing his own school to impart Islamic knowledge until his passing in 1416 AH. He was also a prolific writer, having authored numerous works.