# Abd al-Aziz Ibn Baz

> Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar and mufti (1912–1999)

**Wikidata**: [Q307193](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q307193)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Baz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abd-al-aziz-ibn-baz

## Summary
Abd al-Aziz Ibn Baz was a prominent Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar and mufti who served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1992 until his death in 1999. He was a leading figure in Sunni Islam, known for his conservative interpretations of Islamic law and his role in shaping religious policies in Saudi Arabia. His scholarly works and fatwas (religious rulings) significantly influenced Islamic jurisprudence and practice globally.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 22, 1912
- **Nationality:** Saudi Arabian
- **Education:** Studied Islamic sciences under local scholars
- **Known for:** Serving as Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and issuing influential fatwas
- **Employer(s):** Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabian government
- **Field(s):** Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), hadith studies

## Contributions
- **Fatwas and Scholarly Works:** Ibn Baz authored numerous books and issued thousands of fatwas addressing contemporary issues, including the permissibility of space travel and the use of modern technology. Notable works include *The Authentic Creed* and *The Ruling on Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet*.
- **Leadership Roles:** He headed the Council of Senior Scholars and served as President of the Islamic University of Madinah, shaping Islamic education and governance.
- **Influence on Islamic Law:** His rulings reinforced the Hanbali school of thought and emphasized adherence to the Quran and Sunnah, impacting legal and social norms in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

## FAQs
**What was Abd al-Aziz Ibn Baz's most notable role?**  
He served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1992 to 1999, the highest religious authority in the kingdom.

**What were his key scholarly contributions?**  
Ibn Baz authored definitive works on Islamic creed and jurisprudence, including *The Authentic Creed*, and issued fatwas addressing modern challenges, such as space exploration and medical ethics.

**How did he influence Islamic education?**  
As President of the Islamic University of Madinah, he promoted conservative Islamic scholarship, training generations of scholars and leaders.

**What controversies surrounded his rulings?**  
Some of his fatwas, such as those opposing the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday and restricting women's rights, sparked debate among Muslims worldwide.

## Why They Matter
Abd al-Aziz Ibn Baz played a pivotal role in defining and enforcing conservative Islamic practices in Saudi Arabia, with global repercussions. His leadership in religious institutions and prolific issuance of fatwas helped standardize Islamic jurisprudence, particularly within the Hanbali tradition. His influence extended to shaping state policies, education systems, and social norms, ensuring the enduring prominence of Wahhabi ideology. Without his contributions, the religious landscape of Saudi Arabia and its international influence would be markedly different.

## Notable For
- **Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (1992–1999):** The highest religious authority in the kingdom.
- **President of the Islamic University of Madinah:** Shaped Islamic education and scholarship.
- **Prolific Fatwa Issuance:** Addressed thousands of queries on modern issues, from technology to medicine.
- **Conservative Interpretations:** Reinforced strict adherence to the Quran and Sunnah, opposing innovations like birthday celebrations.
- **Hanbali School Advocacy:** Promoted the Hanbali tradition of Islamic jurisprudence globally.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Abd al-Aziz Ibn Baz was born on November 22, 1912, in Al-Basah, a village near Al-Qatif, Saudi Arabia. He lost his sight at the age of 20 but continued his education under local scholars, mastering Islamic sciences, including fiqh (jurisprudence) and hadith (Prophetic traditions).

### Career and Leadership
Ibn Baz began his career as a teacher and judge in Riyadh. His scholarly reputation led to his appointment as a lecturer at the Islamic University of Madinah, where he later became President. In 1992, he was named Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, heading the Council of Senior Scholars and overseeing the issuance of fatwas.

### Scholarly Works and Fatwas
Ibn Baz authored over 40 books, with *The Authentic Creed* and *The Ruling on Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet* being particularly influential. His fatwas addressed diverse topics, from the permissibility of organ transplants to the condemnation of usury. He emphasized the primacy of the Quran and Sunnah, rejecting practices he deemed un-Islamic.

### Influence on Islamic Governance
As Grand Mufti, Ibn Baz advised the Saudi government on religious matters, ensuring policies aligned with conservative Islamic principles. His rulings supported the monarchy's legitimacy and reinforced the integration of Sharia into state law.

### Legacy and Controversies
Ibn Baz's legacy is marked by his defense of traditional Islamic values and his role in Saudi Arabia's religious establishment. However, some of his rulings, such as restrictions on women's rights and opposition to certain Sufi practices, remain contentious. His impact endures through the scholars he trained and the institutions he led, cementing his status as a defining figure in 20th-century Sunni Islam.

### Related Figures and Movements
Ibn Baz was influenced by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the founder of Wahhabism, and collaborated with scholars like Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani. His work intersected with the broader Salafi movement, emphasizing a return to early Islamic practices. His fatwas and writings continue to be referenced by scholars and institutions worldwide, underscoring his lasting influence on Islamic thought and practice.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Al Jazirah. 1981](http://search.al-jazirah.com.sa/FLASHPDFARCH/1981/JAN1981/30-01-1981-3090/3090-00801.jpg)
4. [Géopolitique de l'Arabie Saoudite - Olivier Da Lage - Google Livres](https://books.google.fr/books?id=Bp0V0qDWPaoC&pg=PA67)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. SNAC
7. AlKindi
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/abdulaziz-b-baz)
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File