Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad
- Died
- -
- Born in
- Al-Zulfi
Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad (b. 1353 AH / 1934 CE) is a Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar, hadith specialist, and jurist based in Medina, who served as the president of the Islamic University of Medina and as a long-time instructor in the Prophet's Mosque (al-Masjid al-Nabawi) .
Early Life and Education
Abd al-Muhsin ibn Hamad ibn Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad al-Badr was born in the town of al-Zulfi during the month of Ramadan in 1353 AH . He pursued his primary schooling in al-Zulfi, obtaining his certificate in 1371 AH, before moving to Riyadh in 1372 AH to enroll in the Riyadh Scientific Institute (Ma'had al-Riyad al-'Ilmi) during the first year Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz began teaching there . He subsequently completed his higher studies at the College of Sharia at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh .
During his academic studies and in mosque study circles, he studied under prominent scholars, including Grand Mufti Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al al-Shaykh, Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz, Muhammad al-Amin al-Shanqiti, Abd al-Rahman al-Afriqi, and Abd al-Razzaq Afifi .
Career and Teaching
Al-Abbad began his educational career as a teacher at the scientific institute in Buraydah in 1379 AH, transferring to the Riyadh Scientific Institute the following year in 1380 AH . Upon the founding of the Islamic University of Medina in 1381 AH, he joined its faculty and delivered the university's first lecture .
On 30 Ramadan 1390 AH, he was appointed vice president of the university, and he subsequently served as its president following Ibn Baz . He also directed the university's Scientific Research Center and taught as an associate professor in its Department of Postgraduate Studies . Outside his university appointments, al-Abbad delivered extensive daily public lessons after the sunset prayer in the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, where he expounded classical hadith compilations such as Sunan Abi Dawud .
Scholarly Contributions
Al-Abbad focused primarily on hadith studies, Sunni creed, and polemical theological refutations. In hadith terminology, he authored Ijtina al-Thamar fi Mustalah Ahl al-Athar (Harvesting the Fruits in the Terminology of the People of Tradition) . In theological doctrine, he delivered the lecture Aqidat Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Athar fi al-Mahdi al-Muntazar (The Creed of the People of Sunnah and Tradition Concerning the Awaited Mahdi), defending the authenticity of mass-transmitted hadiths regarding the Mahdi against contemporary skepticism . In theological debate, he composed al-Radd ala al-Rifai wa al-Buti (Refutation of al-Rifa'i and al-Buti) to address criticisms leveled against traditionalist scholars by Yusuf Hashim al-Rifa'i and Muhammad Sa'id Ramadan al-Buti .
His son, Abd al-Razzaq al-Abbad, is also a scholar and professor at the Islamic University of Medina .
Answer updated
List of Works
al-Radd ala al-Rifai wa al-Buti fi kidhbihima ala Ahl al-Sunna wa dawatihima ila al-bida wa al-dalal
al-Radd ala al-Rifai wa al-Buti fi kidhbihima ala Ahl al-Sunna wa dawatihima ila al-bida wa al-dalal is a polemical theological treatise written to counter criticisms leveled against Salafi scholars. Published in 1421 AH (2000 CE), it responds directly to a pamphlet by Yusuf Hashim al-Rifa'i and its preface by Muhammad Sa'id Ramadan al-Buti, refuting their claims regarding adherence to legal schools, seeking blessings from historical sites, and excommunication.
Aqidat Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Athar fi al-Mahdi al-Muntazar is a treatise outlining the Sunni creed regarding the Mahdi and demonstrating the authentic transmission of the traditions concerning his emergence at the end of time. Originating as a public lecture delivered in 1388 AH (1968 CE), the work examines the narrations transmitted by the Companions, their presence in classical hadith compilations, scholarly attestations of mass transmission, and responses to skeptical views.
al-Tahdhir min Ta'zim al-Athar Ghayr al-Mashru'ah is a theological treatise that argues against the veneration and religious revival of historical physical sites and unlegislated relics, warning that such practices serve as avenues leading to polytheism. Written as a rejoinder to a newspaper article that denied the potential return of idolatry to the Arabian Peninsula, the work draws on scriptural texts to distinguish between legislated sacred sites and unlegislated spatial or bodily relics.
Fath al-Qawi al-Matin fi Sharh al-Arba'in wa-Tatimmat al-Khamsin li-l-Nawawi wa-Ibn Rajab is a hadith commentary on the canonical collection of foundational prophetic traditions comprising the forty-two hadiths gathered by al-Nawawi and the eight appended by Ibn Rajab. Designed to provide a moderate explanation leaning toward brevity, it examines each of the fifty narrations sequentially, analyzing vocabulary, theological and legal contexts, and extracted rulings.
al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Uthaymin min al-Ulama al-Rabbaniyin is a biographical treatise devoted to documenting the life, scholarly career, virtues, and legacy of Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin. Originating as a public lecture delivered shortly after his death in Shawwal 1421 AH, the work covers his lineage, upbringing, mentors, teaching career, written and recorded works, public standing, and legal methodology.
Aqidat Ahl al-Sunnah fi al-Sahaba (The Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah Regarding the Companions) is a concise theological treatise outlining the doctrine of Sunni Islam concerning the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ishruna Hadithan min Sahih al-Bukhari: Dirasat Asanidiha wa Sharh Mutuniha (Twenty Hadiths from Sahih al-Bukhari: A Study of Their Chains and Explanation of Their Texts) is a specialized hadith work dedicated to the analytical study and commentary of twenty selected prophetic traditions from Sahih al-Bukhari.
Fadl al-Madina wa Adab Suknaha wa Ziyaratiha (The Virtue of Medina and the Etiquette of Residing in It and Visiting It) is a treatise outlining the religious merits of Medina, the ethical duties of its inhabitants, and the legal rulings governing visitation to its sacred sites.
Bi-Ayyi 'Aql wa-Din Yakun al-Tafjir wal-Tadmir Jihadan?! Wayhakum... Afiqu ya Shabab!! is an Islamic treatise addressing the phenomenon of militant bombings and armed violence in Muslim lands, refuting the claim that acts of bombing, suicide attacks, and the killing of protected individuals constitute legitimate jihad in Islam.
Rifqan Ahl al-Sunnah bi-Ahl al-Sunnah (Gentleness, People of the Sunnah, Towards People of the Sunnah) is a treatise on ethics, methodology, and intra-Sunni relations. It serves as an advisory counsel aimed at curbing harshness, personal disparagement, premature declaring of others as innovators, and unwarranted boycotting among contemporary Sunni adherents.
This treatise on Hadith literature presents a biographical study of Imam Muslim alongside an analytical examination of the methodology, structure, and scholarly status of his canonical collection, Sahih Muslim.
This commentary examines forty-two comprehensive prophetic traditions compiled by al-Nawawi in al-Arba'in alongside the eight additional traditions appended by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali in Jami' al-Ulum wa-l-Hikam, bringing the total collection to fifty hadiths.
This specialized treatise examines verbal similarities in the Quran, aiming to assist memorizers and reciters in distinguishing between verses that share similar phraseology.
This treatise examines the spiritual, moral, and social effects of Islamic acts of worship in both worldly life and the hereafter.
This treatise analyzes and critiques modern ideological movements—primarily Freemasonry, Communism, Socialism, and Zionism—from an Islamic perspective.
This Islamic treatise examines the spiritual reflections and enduring obligations that Muslims should carry forward following the conclusion of Ramadan. Originating as a public lecture delivered in 1390 AH (1970 CE), it outlines core lessons on persevering in righteous deeds, maintaining awareness of divine observation, remaining committed to mosques, and practicing lifelong restraint from prohibited acts.
This legal commentary explains the foundational rules of ritual purification and prayer set forth in Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab's concise treatise. It systematically examines the nine conditions, fourteen pillars, and eight obligatory acts of prayer, clarifying legal definitions, requirements of ablution, and textual proofs from the Quran and Prophetic Sunnah.
This theological treatise defends the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad and refutes the doctrinal claims of Hasan ibn Farhan al-Maliki regarding their definition, status, and uprightness. Written as a direct response to al-Maliki's writings, it addresses the scope of legal companionship, upholds the collective probity of the Companions, interprets narrations concerning the Prophet's Basin, and substantiates the legitimacy of Abu Bakr's caliphate.
This concise treatise examines the religious status, linguistic and theological meaning, authentic formulas, and bibliography of invoking blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad. It analyzes definitions of the invocation, highlights established prophetic wordings, and provides a critical survey distinguishing authoritative classical literature from ungrounded devotional manuals.
This biographical treatise is dedicated to the life, scholarly career, and character of former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz. Originating as a memorial lecture delivered in 1420 AH shortly after his death, the work reviews his upbringing, teachers and students, official appointments, scholarly methodology, and written legacy.
Kayfa Nastafid min al-Kutub al-Hadithiyya al-Sitta (How We Benefit from the Six Hadith Books) is a concise methodological guide on how students of Islamic knowledge can utilize, navigate, and study the six canonical Sunni collections of hadith.
Ahammiyat al-Inaya bil-Tafsir wal-Hadith wal-Fiqh (The Importance of Attending to Quranic Exegesis, Hadith, and Jurisprudence) is a scholarly treatise elucidating the essential status of the three primary Islamic disciplines—tafsir, hadith, and fiqh—as the core of praised religious knowledge (al-ilm al-shar'i). The work outlines their interrelation, authoritative references, and the methodology of studying them.
Fadl Ahl al-Bayt wa Ulu Makanatihim inda Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jamaa (The Virtue of the Prophet's Household and Their High Status According to the People of the Sunna and the Community) is a theological treatise outlining the Sunni creed regarding the status, virtues, and rights of the family of the Prophet Muhammad.
Manhaj Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab fi al-Talif (The Authorship Methodology of Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab) is a scholarly treatise analyzing the compositional methods, subject priorities, and key works of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1115–1206 AH).
al-Imam al-Bukhari wa Kitabuhu al-Jami al-Sahih (Imam al-Bukhari and His Book al-Jamiʿ al-Sahih) is a scholarly treatise that examines the biography of al-Bukhari (194–256 AH / 810–870 CE) and provides a critical analysis of his primary compilation, Sahih al-Bukhari.
Sharh Hadith Jibril fi Talim al-Din (Explanation of the Hadith of Gabriel on Teaching Religion) is an independent commentary treatise dedicated to the celebrated Hadith of Gabriel regarding the levels of the Islamic faith.
Sharh al-Muharrar fi al-Hadith is an explanatory commentary on al-Muharrar fi Ahadith al-Ahkam, the manual of legal traditions compiled by the Hanbali traditionist Ibn Abd al-Hadi.
al-Difa an al-Sahabi Abi Bakra wa Marwiyyatihi wa al-Istidlal li Man Wilayat al-Nisa ala al-Rijal (Defending the Companion Abu Bakra and His Narrations, and Presenting Evidence Prohibiting Women's Authority over Men) is a polemical treatise that defends the Companion Abu Bakrah, upholds the integrity of his narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari, and argues against the permissibility of women holding public governance over men.
Min Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Karim (From the Character of the Noble Messenger) is a treatise on prophetic biography and morals that explores the character, virtues, and conduct of the Prophet Muhammad before and after the beginning of his prophetic mission.
Qatf al-Jani al-Dani Sharh Muqaddimat Risalat Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani is a theological commentary on the creedal opening chapter of the Maliki legal treatise al-Risalah by Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani.
al-Intisar li-Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Hadith fi Radd Abatil Hasan al-Maliki (Triumph for the People of the Sunnah and Hadith in Refuting the Falsehoods of Hasan al-Maliki) is a theological refutation. The work presents a systematic critique aimed at defending traditional Sunni doctrine and early creedal literature against the writings and assertions of Hasan Farhan al-Maliki.
Kayfa yuaddi al-muwazzaf al-amanah (How the Employee Fulfills the Trust) is a concise treatise addressing the ethical obligations and religious duties incumbent upon employees and workers in discharging professional responsibilities.
Aghlu fi Bad al-Qaraba wa Jafa fi al-Anbiya wa al-Sahaba (Is it Extremism Regarding Some Kin and Coldness Towards the Prophets and Companions?) is a polemical treatise addressing modern and classical Twelver Shi'i doctrines concerning the Prophet's household (Ahl al-Bayt), the earlier prophets, and the Prophet's Companions.
Sharh Sunan Abi Dawud is an extensive contemporary commentary on Sunan Abi Dawud, transcribed from a comprehensive series of hadith lectures.
Durus al-Shaykh Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad ("Lessons of Shaykh Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad") is a compilation of transcribed audio lectures and lessons addressing foundational topics in Islamic theology, hadith study, and legal ethics.
This theological treatise focuses on establishing the obligation of adhering to the prophetic Sunnah, refuting the concept of religious innovation (bid'ah), and clarifying the boundaries of orthodox practice. It also addresses contemporary sectarian tensions and harshness in declaring fellow Muslims innovators.
This biographical treatise examines the life, character, and scholarly career of Umar ibn Muhammad Fallatah, documenting his background, education, and contributions.
This theological and hadith treatise is written to establish the authenticity of the prophetic narrations regarding the Mahdi and to refute those who reject them.
This treatise addresses the legal rulings, theological meanings, authentic prophetic formulas, and virtues of invoking blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad.