Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz facts for kids

Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz (Arabic: عبد العزيز بن عبد الله بن باز, romanized: ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz bin ʿAbd Allāh bin Bāz; born November 21, 1912 – died May 13, 1999), often called Bin Baz or Ibn Baz, was a very important Islamic scholar from Saudi Arabia. He served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, which is the highest religious authority in the country, from 1993 until he passed away in 1999.

Bin Baz was known for his vast religious knowledge and his strong beliefs. He was a leading supporter of the Salafi movement, which aims to follow Islam as it was practiced by the earliest Muslims. His influence helped guide many people in Saudi Arabia. He also supported a religious financial contribution (called zakat) to help those involved in the anti-Soviet struggle in Afghanistan. This support was seen as a major call for religious action in modern times.

Some of Bin Baz's opinions and religious rulings were debated by different groups. These discussions included his views on the universe, women's rights, and Saudi Arabia's decisions in foreign policy, especially during and after the Persian Gulf War.

Early Life and Education

Bin Baz was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1912. His family was known for their interest in Islam. His father passed away when he was only three years old. By the age of thirteen, he started working with his brother, selling clothes in a market.

He also began taking lessons in important Islamic subjects. These included the Qur'an (Islam's holy book), hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), fiqh (Islamic law), and tafsir (explanation of the Qur'an). His teacher was Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al ash-Sheikh, who later became the top religious official in Saudi Arabia.

In 1927, when he was sixteen, Bin Baz started to lose his eyesight due to a serious eye infection. By the time he was twenty, he had completely lost his sight and became blind. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have modern universities. So, Bin Baz received a traditional education from Islamic scholars.

Career and Influence

Bin Baz held many important positions and responsibilities during his career.

• From 1938 to 1951, he worked as a judge in the Al Kharj district.
• In 1992, he was appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. This made him the head of the Council of Senior Scholars. He also became the president of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, which issues religious rulings.
• He was also a president and member of the Constituent Assembly of the Muslim World League, an international Islamic organization.

In 1981, he received the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam. This is a very respected award. He was also unique because he was the only Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who did not come from the well-known Al ash-Sheikh family.

Bin Baz wrote more than sixty books and articles. His writings covered many topics, such as hadith, tafsir, Islamic law, Tawheed (the oneness of God), salat (prayer), zakat (charity), dawah (inviting people to Islam), Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), and Umrah (minor pilgrimage).

Community Engagement

Bin Baz was involved in many charitable and community activities.

• He supported organizations and Islamic centers around the world that promoted Islam.
• He had a popular radio program called "Nurun Ala Darb" ("Light on the Path"). On this show, he discussed current issues, answered questions from listeners, and provided religious advice (fatwa).
• He encouraged people to donate to groups like the Taliban in Afghanistan in the late 1990s. Many Saudis at the time saw them as young religious fighters.

Bin Baz was a frequent speaker, both in public and at his mosque. He often invited people to share a meal with him after the Isha'a (night) prayer.

He believed in obeying the leaders of a country, as long as their orders did not go against God's commands. He did not support using violence to change governments.

During his time as Grand Mufti, he worked to support the Saudi ruling family and to encourage reforms in Islam based on Salafi ideas. Many of the current important judges and religious scholars in Saudi Arabia were his students.

Personal Life

Bin Baz lived with his wives and children in a neighborhood in Riyadh. Like other senior Saudi religious leaders, his home was a gift, given to him for his important religious work.

Death

Bin Baz passed away on Thursday, May 13, 1999, at the age of 86. He was buried in Al Adl cemetery in Mecca, a holy city in Saudi Arabia.

After his death, King Fahd appointed Abdul-Azeez ibn Abdullaah Aal ash-Shaikh as the new Grand Mufti.

Works

• The Correct Islamic Aqeedah and what opposes it
• Important Lessons for Every Muslim
• Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarah
• The Prophet's Manner of Performing
• Essential Lessons For Every Muslim
• Words of Advice Regarding Da'wah
• Knowledge
• Treaties on Zakat & Fasting
• The Rule on Those Who Seek Help In Other Than Allah

See also

• Islam in Saudi Arabia
• Salafi
• Muhammad ibn al Uthaymeen
• Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani