Scholar Biographies



One should know that it is important to start with knowledge. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, i.e., they inherit knowledge. Whoever gains knowledge has gained great good fortune, and whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allaah will make easy for him the path to Paradise. Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):

‘It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah’

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

‘but none will understand them except those who have knowledge’

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:43]

‘And they will say: “Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!”’

[al-Mulk 67:10]

With regard to the way to gain knowledge, it is to fear Allaah (taqwa) and to be aware that He is always watching, in secret and in the open. Then one should learn from the scholars whose knowledge and religious commitment can be trusted. If you find a scholar who meets this description, then cling to him and consult him in order to gain knowledge. If you cannot find a scholar, then look for a seeker of knowledge (taalib ‘ilm), and if you cannot find such a person, then you must study by using tapes and books that deal with the basic issues of Islam according to the correct methodology of sharee’ah.

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Baaz

Abu 'Abdullaah Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn 'Abdullaah ibn 'Abdur-Rahmaan Aal-Baaz was born in the city of Riyadh in Dhul-Hijjah 1330 A.H./1909 C.E.

He memorized the Qur.aan in his early age and then he acquired knowledge from many of the great scholars of the Kingdom. Some of his teachers were Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul-Lateef Aal-Shaykh, Shaykh Saalih ibn 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal-Shaykh and the eminent Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal-Shaykh who, in his time, was the Muftee of Saudi Arabia. Shaykh Ibn Baaz accompanied the eminent Shaykh and learned from him for about ten years. Thus he gained his religious education from the family of Imaam Muhammad ibn 'Abdul-Wahhaab.

Afterwards Shaykh Ibn Baaz was appointed as a Justice and he worked for fourteen years in the judiciary until he was deputed to the education faculty. He remained engaged in teaching for nine years at Riyadh Islaamic Law College, Riyadh Religious Institute. Then he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Islaamic University, al-Madeenah; but shortly afterwards, he was made the Chancellor with all the administrative powers. Later he was appointed President of the General Presidency of Islaamic Research, Ifta, Call and Propagation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He held the position of Grand Muftee of Saudi Arabia, the Presidency of many Islaamic Committees and Councils, the prominent among these being: Senior Scholars Committee of the Kingdom, Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, the Founding Committee of Muslim World League, World Supreme Council for Mosques, Islaamic Jurisprudence Assembly Makkah; and the member of the Supreme Council of the Islaamic University at al-Madeenah, and the Supreme Committee for Islaamic Propagation, until he passed away on Thursday 27 Muharram 1420 A.H./May 13 1999 C.E. May Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) have Mercy upon his soul, aameen.

“He would...become choked by the news”

Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz (rahima-hullaah), Doctor Naasir ibn Misfir az-Zahraanee narrates:

“Whenever it was mentioned to the Shaykh about those from the scholars who had passed away, especially those who were from amongst his close friends and scholars, he would be deeply affected. He would pray for them a lot, and even cry and become choked by the news.

One day he spoke about his Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem (rahima-hullaah), but was unable to hold himself back from crying. I would sit beside him many times, whilst his assistant would read to us the fataawa of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem (rahima-hullaah), and in some instances Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem (rahima-hullaah) would refute Shaykh Ibn Baaz himself, at which the Shaykh would smile and pray for him and ask Allaah to have mercy upon him.”

Mawaaqif madhee.ah fee hayaat al-Imaam 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn Baaz - Page 215

~~Jewels of Guidance/ Shaykh Baaaz~~

The Shaykh used to wake up his children for Salaatul-Fajr...
Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz (rahima-hullaah), his son Ahmad narrates:

"The Shaykh used to call his children via the internal phone to wake them up for Salaat al-Fajr.

And when he called them, he would recite the (authentic and recommended) supplication:

((al-Hamdu Lillaahil-lathee Ahyaanaa ba'da maa Amaatanaa wa ilayhin-nushoor))
(All praise is for Allaah who gave us life having taken it from us and unto Him is the resurrection)

...since they were overcome by sleep, he would ask them to repeat this supplication until he felt sure they had woken up!"

al-Imaam Ibn Baaz - duroos wa mawaaqif wa 'ibar - Page 71

"O Shaykh, he (even) speaks about you and slanders you"

Concerning the Imaam, the Shaykh - 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz (rahima-hullaah), Doctor Naasir ibn Misfir az-Zahraanee narrates:

“Some students of knowledge came to the Shaykh complaining about a particular person. They explained his mistakes and some of the errors he has. So the Shaykh asked his assistant to begin taking notes so he could reprimand and advise this particular person.

Whilst the assistant was taking notes, one of the students added: “O Shaykh, he (even) speaks about you and slanders you”.

At that moment, the Shaykh asked his assistant to stop taking notes, as he feared it may be said that the Shaykh sought revenge for himself.”

Mawaaqif madhee.ah fee hayaat al-Imaam 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn Baaz - Page 204