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 'Abdullaah Ibn Muhammad Ibn Humayd

He was born in the city of Riyadh in Ramadhaan in the year 1329 A.H./1908 C.E.

Losing his sight in his infancy, he was nonetheless brought up with good manners.

He memorised the Qur.aan by heart whilst he was young whilst also actively and patiently seeking knowledge. He studied with the shaykhs of Riyadh and those who visited the city. He excelled in many fields and his shaykhs noted his brilliance.

So he studied with many shaykhs, amongst them:
Shaykh Hamad Ibn Faaris (rahima-hullaah), with whom he studied the sciences of the Arabic language and hadeeth;
Shaykh Sa'd Ibn Hamad Ibn 'Ateeq (rahima-hullaah), with whom he studied the principles of the religion and it's various branches;
Shaykh Saalih Ibn 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh (rahima-hullaah), with whom he remained close to; he studied the principles of the religion and it's various branches, hadeeth and tafseer;
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn 'Abdul-Lateef Aal ash-Shaykh (rahima-hullaah), with whom he studied and remained close to;
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem Aal ash-Shaykh (rahima-hullaah), with whom he studied and remained close to for a long time and used to seek his counsel in judiciary matters;

Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem Aal ash-Shaykh appointed him a teacher for beginners and his assistant, so whenever he was absent he would cover for him.

In 1357 A.H./1922 C.E. King 'Abdul-'Azeez (rahima-hullaah) appointed him a judge in the region of Sudayr.

In 1363 A.H./1928 C.E. he was appointed a judge in the region of Buraydah and the surrounding areas.

In 1377 A.H./1942 C.E. he asked to be excused from the post of judge, and sought leave to increase in his worship and teach the people.

The General Presidency for the Supervision of Religious Affairs at al-Masjid al-Haraam (in Makkah) was then set up and King Faysal (rahima-hullaah) chose him to head the supervision of religious affairs at al-Masjid al-Haraam, as well as teaching there and passing fatwa. As a result Allaah caused the ummah to benefit from his knowledge.

In 1395 A.H./1974 C.E. King Khaalid (rahima-hullaah) appointed him head of the Senior Judiciary Committee, member of the Council of Senior Scholars, head of the Jurisprudence Committee, and member of the Foundation Committee for ar-Raabitah al-'Aalam al-Islaamee.

He died on Wednesday 20 Dhul-Qa'dah 1402 A.H./1981 C.E. and his janaazah prayer was performed in al-Masjid al-Haraam where many were in attendance.