Abdul Aziz bin Baz
Abdul Aziz bin Baz, also known as Abu Abdullah Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, was a prominent Saudi judge and jurist, born on Dhu al-Hijjah 12, 1330 AH (November 22, 1912) and passed away on Muharram 27, 1420 AH (May 13, 1999). He hailed from a scholarly family in Riyadh and received his education from the esteemed sheikhs and scholars of his town. Bin Baz held several significant positions during his lifetime, including the role of General Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1413 AH (1992) until his demise. Additionally, he served as the president of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, the head of the Department of Scientific Research and Fatwa, and presided over institutions such as the founding council of the Muslim World League and the Islamic Jurisprudence Academy. He also served as the director of the Islamic University in Medina for five years.
Throughout his life, Ibn Baz authored over 41 books covering various Islamic sciences, including jurisprudence, doctrine, fatwas, and Islamic thought. His writings included responses to religious and intellectual doctrines and groups that emerged both in the past and contemporary times. In addition to his major works, he wrote numerous smaller messages addressing various topics.
Ibn Baz was widely regarded as one of the greatest Sunni scholars of his era, earning respect and reverence from scholars worldwide. Among the Salafi scholars, he was particularly esteemed, with figures like Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani referring to him as "the innovator of this century." Abd al-Razzaq Afifi considered him a model, emphasizing his exceptional knowledge, morals, and active contributions to Islamic scholarship. Muhammad Al-Sabil described Sheikh Ibn Baz as the imam of the Sunnis in his time, highlighting his influential role within the Sunni Muslim community.
His birth and upbringing
Ibn Baz, whose lineage traces back to the Al Baz family, was Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Baz. Originally from Medina, his ancestors later moved to Diriyah and then to Hotat Bani Tamim. The Al Baz family had a scholarly background, with several members being scholars and judges.
Ibn Baz faced a significant challenge early in his life when he began experiencing eye problems. His eyesight started weakening when he was sixteen years old, in the year 1346 AH. By the time he was twenty, his eyesight had considerably worsened, and by 1350 AH, he had completely lost his sight. Despite this challenge, Ibn Baz displayed remarkable determination and intelligence even before losing his vision. He was proficient in reading and writing during his youth and had the ability to engage with scholarly texts. He was able to read and comment on various books, such as Al-Ajrumiyah in grammar, before his vision deteriorated. Ibn Baz's early experiences shaped his resilience and intellectual curiosity, paving the way for his future contributions to Islamic scholarship.
His education
Ibn Baz's education was deeply rooted in the rich intellectual environment of Riyadh, which was a center of knowledge during his time. Growing up in this environment, he received a comprehensive education from esteemed scholars, which laid the foundation for his future scholarly pursuits.
His educational journey began with the memorization of the Noble Qur'an, a practice in line with the traditions of the Salaf scholars. He accomplished this feat before reaching puberty under the guidance of Sheikh Abdullah bin Mufarej. Subsequently, he delved into Islamic knowledge, studying various disciplines under the tutelage of prominent scholars in Riyadh, including:
1. Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Abdul Latif Al Al-Sheikh: Ibn Baz attended his scholarly circles regularly, absorbing knowledge in hadith, doctrine, jurisprudence, grammar, religious duties, interpretation, history, and the biography of the Prophet. He studied under Sheikh Muhammad from the year 1347 AH until 1357 AH, covering a wide array of legal sciences during this period.
2.Sheikh Saleh bin Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman:
3. Sheikh Saad bin Hamad bin Ateeq: A judge in Riyadh, from whom Ibn Baz gained valuable insights.
4. Sheikh Hamad bin Faris: A specialist in the science of grammar, contributing to Ibn Baz's linguistic knowledge.
5. Sheikh Saad Waqqas Al-Bukhari: An eminent scholar from Mecca, who guided Ibn Baz in the science of Tajweed (the proper pronunciation of the Qur'an).
Under the mentorship of these scholars, Ibn Baz received a robust education encompassing various Islamic sciences. This educational foundation paved the way for his later scholarly achievements and his significant contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and thought.
His works
Ibn Baz's illustrious career was marked by a series of significant roles and accomplishments in various educational and religious institutions within Saudi Arabia. Here is an overview of his key positions and contributions:
1. Judiciary and Education in Al-Dalam (1357 AH - 1371 AH):
Ibn Baz served as a judge in Al-Dalam from 1357 AH to 1371 AH. Simultaneously, he acted as an imam and preacher at the Sheikh Mosque, teaching numerous students, including prominent scholars and judges like Rashid bin Saleh bin Khaneen, Abdullah bin Hassan bin Qaud, Muhammad bin Saleh bin Uthaymeen, and others.
2. Teaching and Leadership in Riyadh (1371 AH - 1381 AH):
In 1371 AH, Ibn Baz moved to teach at the Scientific Institute in Riyadh and later at the College of Sharia. He also led worshipers at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh during this period.
3. Vice-Presidency of the Islamic University in Medina (1390 AH):
In 1390 AH, Ibn Baz was appointed Vice-President of the Islamic University in Medina, where he delivered lessons in the Prophet’s Mosque, except on Tuesday nights.
4. Presidency and Leadership Roles (1395 AH - 1414 AH):
- In 1395 AH, he became the head of the Department of Scientific Research, Fatwa, Call, and Guidance in Riyadh, along with leading the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque.
- He served as President of the Councils of the Muslim World League and the Islamic Jurisprudence Academy.
- Ibn Baz was the President of the World Supreme Council of Mosques and Chairman of the Founding Council of the Muslim World League.
- In 1414 AH, he was appointed Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Fatwa, and President of the Muslim World League.
5. Contributions to Education (1369 AH - 1374 AH):
- In 1369 AH, Ibn Baz proposed the establishment of a scientific institute in Riyadh to King Abdul Aziz. The king authorized its creation and placed Ibn Baz in charge. The institute opened in 1370 AH.
- In 1373 AH, the College of Sharia was inaugurated in Riyadh, and graduates from the Scientific Institute joined its ranks.
- Ibn Baz initiated the opening of branches of the Scientific Institute in various cities, including Buraidah, Shaqra, Al-Ahsa, Al-Majma’ah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and Samtah, thereby spreading educational opportunities throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his career, Ibn Baz played a pivotal role in the expansion and enhancement of Islamic education and scholarship in Saudi Arabia, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and scholars.
Presidency of the Islamic University
In 1381 AH, Abdul Aziz bin Baz assumed the role of Vice President at the Islamic University of Medina. He continued in this position until 1390 AH. Following the death of the university's president, Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh, in 1390 AH, Ibn Baz was appointed as the president of the university, a position he held until 1395 AH.
During his tenure as the president, the university underwent a period of expansion that extended the reach of Islamic outreach beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. The university's educational and practical initiatives were not confined to the country alone; instead, they reached various regions in the Islamic world. The university actively engaged in sending teachers under its name to multiple educational institutions, including schools and universities, particularly in India, Africa, and Pakistan.
Furthermore, outstanding graduates of the university were presented to the Islamic Da’wah Council in Riyadh. This initiative aimed to deploy these graduates to serve the cause of da’wah (Islamic preaching) in their respective countries and other nations, thereby contributing significantly to the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and principles globally.
Presidency of Dar Al-Hadith
Dar Al-Hadith Charity was founded in the year 1352 AH with the aim of advancing the field of Hadith sciences. The idea for its establishment was conceived by a group of hadith scholars led by Abdul-Zahir Abu Al-Samh, who was the imam of the Grand Mosque at that time. They proposed the idea to King Abdulaziz, who approved its establishment. In 1390 AH, Dar Al-Hadith was integrated into the Islamic University, and Abdul Aziz bin Baz assumed the role of president of its Supreme Council.
During his tenure, Ibn Baz continued the work of his predecessors by focusing on graduating students proficient in Islamic sciences, particularly those coming from Africa and Asia. Under his leadership, Dar Al-Hadith started admitting Hadith graduates from the Islamic University of Medina without the need for an admission test. Additionally, he expanded the charitable functions of the institution. He directed that the charity distribute alms to both needy men and women, relying on the contributions of benefactors.
Ten years before his passing, Ibn Baz successfully gathered a substantial sum of money, amounting to fifty million riyals, from benefactors. These funds were utilized for constructing study halls, administrative buildings, and student accommodations on Ajyad Street for Dar Al-Hadith. Upon completion, these new facilities ensured the financial self-sufficiency of the institution, enabling it to operate smoothly.
When Ibn Baz was awarded the King Faisal International Award for Service to Islam, he acknowledged the crucial role played by Dar Al-Hadith and expressed his appreciation for its contributions. In a generous gesture, he donated his prize of three hundred thousand Saudi riyals to Dar Al-Hadith Charity in Mecca, further supporting its mission.
Mufti of Saudi Arabia
In the year 1395 AH, a royal decree appointed Ibn Baz to the position of General President of the Departments of Scientific Research, Fatwa, Da’wah, and Guidance, with the rank of minister. He held this position for eighteen years until 1413 AH when he was appointed as the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Along with this prestigious role, he also assumed the presidency of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Department of Scholarly Research and Fatwa. He continued in these positions until his passing in the year 1420 AH.
One of Ibn Baz’s notable fatwas addressed the permissibility of seeking assistance from coalition countries to liberate Kuwait during the Second Gulf War. In his fatwa, he stated that Muslims were allowed to seek help from non-Muslims to defend their countries, protect them, and repel aggression against them. He emphasized that defending Muslims and their homeland was permissible, even with the assistance of Christians or others, as long as it was done through military means to repel aggression and protect their country from enemies and threats.
He cited historical examples, such as the Prophet Muhammad's use of borrowed armor from a non-Muslim, Safwan bin Umayyah, during a battle. Ibn Baz highlighted that seeking assistance to defend Muslim lands was in line with the Quranic command to safeguard oneself and to utilize one's strength to repel aggression. He emphasized the necessity of Muslim unity and cooperation against common enemies and the permissibility of seeking help when facing aggression, even if it meant collaborating with non-Muslims for the greater good of protecting Muslim nations and their sanctities.
Light on the path
"Nour Ala al-Darb" is a daily program where numerous scholars and fatwa experts respond to listeners' questions. It airs on the Holy Quran Radio from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abdul Aziz bin Baz hosted the program for more than 30 years, broadcasting it after the Isha prayer on Saturday nights weekly. Throughout his tenure, he answered a total of 11,308 fatwas, addressing various queries from the audience. These fatwas were compiled and published in multiple books, including "Fatwas Noor ‘ala al-Darb" edited by Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Tayyar and Muhammad bin Musa bin Abdullah Al-Mousa, as well as another edition carefully curated by Al-Shuwai’ir.
His lessons
The sheikh held lessons at the mosque, often starting after the dawn prayer. He would begin by reciting prayer verses and morning remembrances, then ascend the lesson chair with students gathered around him. Using signals like "Yes" or "Proceed," he would initiate the session, expressing gratitude to God before the reading began. As the students read, the sheikh provided explanations and comments, occasionally addressing oral questions posed by the students.
In evening lessons at Princess Sarah Mosque, which commenced after the Maghrib prayer, the sheikh focused on notable texts such as Ibn al-Qayyim's "Madarij al-Salikeen." He discussed incidents from Ibn Bishr's history and inquired about specific books like "al-Mufhim bi Sharh Muslim al-Qurtubi," expressing keen interest in their content.
The sheikh recommended particular works, including "Al-Qahtani's System," and discussed topics like the killing of a drinker using references such as Ahmad Shaker's writing in Al-Musnad 9/41.
When reading Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab's "Book of Tawheed," the sheikh praised its depth, stating, "I have not seen anything like this. This is a great book." He similarly lauded Sunan al-Nasa'i, highlighting its unique biographical chapters and its attention to the methods of hadith like Muslim and taboos like al-Bukhari. During his lessons, various texts were explored, such as "Sahih Muslim with Sharh al-Nawawi," "Sunan Ibn Majah," "Sunan Abi Dawud," "Sunan al-Tirmidhi," "Muwatta of Imam Malik," "Musnad of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal," and works by scholars like Ibn Hajar and Ibn Taymiyyah.
His letters to rulers and presidents
His message to Hafez al-Assad
Ibn Baz sent a telegram in his name on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Islamic University in Medina, addressed to Hafez al-Assad, the late Syrian president, and it was published by the Egyptian Al-I’tisam magazine in January 1980, in which Ibn Baz said:
The Supreme Council of the Islamic University, held in Medina, and attended by representatives of Muslim scholars and thought leaders in the Islamic world, was horrified by what happened and is happening in Muslim Syria, in terms of execution, torture, and abuse of Muslims who demand the rule of God’s law in society, under the guise of the Aleppo incident, which was reported by agencies. Arab and international news and newspapers reported that it took place among the party’s internal wings, because of the stubbornness, exhaustion, and waste of values felt by the majority of citizens in all fields. At the level of daily practices, and as a result of the difference in the type of sectarian affiliation and loyalty. It is supposed to eliminate the root causes of strife, not to deepen those causes. It is also necessary to encourage young people who are loyal to their religion and their nation, and to stop the reprehensible measures taken against them and their families, in order to miss the opportunity for the Jewish plot, to ensure unity of ranks, and to benefit from all good energies in the battle of fate with the lurking enemy, and to ensure that Muslim Syria, known for its authenticity, plays its role. Perfect and undiminished in the struggle against the enemies of Islam. This matter has become more and more certain after what the hateful Jewish gangs and their agents committed morning and evening in southern Lebanon, for known purposes. The Supreme Council of the Islamic League deeply regrets what is taking place in this dear country in terms of the shedding of blood of those who seek what is obligatory for every government that believes in God and His Messenger, which is to enforce the law of God Almighty, and return to what was dear, strong, and feared, when the highest civilization was established for the world. Man knew it. The Supreme Council is extremely surprised that in an ancient Islamic country, this call is a crime that requires its people to be arrested, harmed, and killed, without allowing the accused the slightest amount of freedom to reveal the truth. We call on you and all officials in all Arab and Islamic countries to unite in the word of God, to implement His law, to prepare, and to unite the forces, in the shade of the Islamic faith, and the love of jihad and martyrdom, for that is the path to victory and success. God often on the order, but most people do not know. Abdul Aziz bin Baz
His message to Gamal Abdel Nasser
When Gamal Abdel Nasser, Sayyed Qutb, the ideologue of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, was executed on August 29, 1966, Ibn Baz sent a letter to Abdel Nasser in which he said:
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful. From Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz to President Gamal Abdel Nasser, peace be upon those who follow guidance. God Almighty says (And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein, and the wrath and curse of God are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him). And peace.
His letter to Habib Bourguiba
Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba had delivered a speech on one occasion, about self-culture and national awareness, which included criticizing the Holy Qur’an and saying that it was contradictory, so Ibn Baz sent a message:
Al-Shihab newspaper published in the issue of Rabi` al-Awwal 23, 1394 AH, a very dangerous hadith attributed to you, which includes attacking the Holy Qur’an by contradicting it, including superstitions, and attacking the great status of Muhammad’s message. This disturbed the Muslims and they denounced it extremely. If this was done by you, then it is obligatory. It is permissible to initiate sincere repentance from him and announce it through official means of announcing it. Otherwise, an explicit official statement must be announced denying him and believing otherwise, so that Muslims can be reassured and their anger subsided from these dangerous statements. We ask God Almighty to grant everyone success in doing what is good and righteous in this world and the hereafter, and to repent from... All sins, whether secret or obvious, and that Islam, its people, and its countries be glorified. Indeed, He is All-Hearing and Answering.
His death
At the end of the year 1419 AH, Abdul Aziz bin Baz's health began to decline significantly. He experienced severe pain in his esophagus and heart, which forced him to abandon his plan to perform Hajj that year. This decision was significant as he had not missed Hajj for forty-seven consecutive years. Despite his determination, his health did not permit it.
Towards the end of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Ibn Baz stayed in Taif, where his condition worsened. His pain persisted until he passed away at dawn on Thursday, Muharram 27, 1420 AH, corresponding to May 13, 1999. He was 89 years old. He breathed his last at King Faisal Hospital in Taif and was later transferred to the Armed Forces Hospital in Al-Hada. After Friday prayers on the 28th of Muharram, funeral prayers were held for him in the Grand Mosque. The ceremony was attended by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, the King of Saudi Arabia, along with Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince at the time, and Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the second deputy.
Abdul Aziz bin Baz was laid to rest in the Al-Adl Cemetery in Mecca. Following his passing, a royal decree was issued for absentee prayers to be conducted in all mosques across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after Friday prayers, commemorating his significant contributions and influence in the Islamic world.
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