al-Karim bin Salih al-Humayd
- Died
- 1445 AH
- Born in
- Buraydah
Abu Muhammad Abd al-Karim bin Salih al-Humayd (c. 1357/1361–1445 AH / 1938/1942–2023/2024 CE) was a Saudi Hanbali scholar, author, and ascetic based in Buraydah, known for his writings on creed, devotion, and his strict rejection of modern lifestyle conventions .
Early Life and Education
Abu Muhammad Abd al-Karim bin Salih bin Abd al-Karim al-Humayd was born in Buraydah in the region of al-Qasim; one source dates his birth to around 1357 AH, while another gives 1361 AH . His grandfather bore the nickname al-Deek . His mother died when he was only a few years old . Although he was raised in affluent circumstances by his well-off father, he later abandoned luxury for an ascetic way of life . He has two sons, Muhammad and Ahmad, and three daughters, the youngest of whom is Sharifah .
After completing his primary education, he enrolled in the Buraydah Scientific Institute around the time of its establishment . Following his graduation, he moved to the Eastern Province, where he worked as a teacher in schools run by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) . Around 1390 AH, he turned fully toward religious devotion and the pursuit of traditional Islamic sciences .
Teachers and Scholarly Formation
Al-Humayd studied under several prominent scholars in Buraydah. His primary mentor was the ascetic shaykh Fahd bin Ubayd Al Abd al-Muhsin, whom he accompanied closely for more than ten years and whose circles he joined in the early 1390s AH . He also studied theology and monotheism extensively with Muhammad bin Salih al-Mutawwa', and attended the lessons of Salih al-Bulayhi, Muhammad al-Subayyil, and al-Sukayti .
Beyond personal instruction, he engaged deeply with the classical texts of early Sunni authorities, particularly the theological and spiritual treatises of Ibn Taymiyyah and his student Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, alongside the writings of Najdi scholars such as Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Abd al-Rahman bin Hasan, and Sulayman bin Sahman . Drawing upon these sources, he authored treatises on spiritual conduct and servitude, including Ihsan Suluk al-Abd al-Mamluk ila Malik al-Muluk (Perfecting the Conduct of the Enslaved Servant toward the King of Kings) , as well as analytical collections such as Thimar Yani'a wa Ta'liqat Nafi'a (Ripe Fruits and Beneficial Comments) .
Asceticism, Preaching, and Imprisonment
Al-Humayd became an imam of a mosque in the village of al-Khubaybiyyah, located west of Buraydah . He was noted for his extreme austerity and rejection of modern technologies and conveniences, including personal automobiles, airplanes, and satellite dishes . In his mosque, he required that congregants not carry personal identification cards or paper money bearing photographic images .
Due to his outspoken statements on contemporary affairs and religious matters, al-Humayd was arrested and imprisoned multiple times by Saudi security forces . Security authorities accused him of making critical remarks against the government during his study circles . Following his detentions, a replacement mosque was constructed for him by members of the al-Barradi family, where he resumed leading prayers and delivering religious admonitions . He died in 1445 AH.
Answer updated
List of Works
Ulama al-Salaf wa Ahl al-Waqt (The Scholars of the Predecessors and the People of Our Time) is a short treatise that outlines key distinctions between the early Muslim scholars (al-salaf) and contemporary figures (ahl al-waqt) in matters of religious knowledge, teaching, and practice. Arranged as a summary series of essential points of contrast rather than an exhaustive catalog, it compares the methodology, intentions, educational environments, and seriousness of earlier generations with modern educational approaches.
al-Shanaa'a ala man radda Ahadith al-Shafaa'a (The Abomination of the One Who Rejects the Hadiths of Intercession) is a theological treatise written as a critical refutation of Egyptian writer Mustafa Mahmud and his denial of prophetic reports regarding intercession (al-shafa'a) on the Day of Judgment. The work defends authentic traditions affirming intercession for monotheistic believers who committed major sins, clarifies theological distinctions between hypocrites and sinful monotheists, and examines the necessary conditions for the testimony of faith.
Da'wa al-Islah (The Pretext of Reform) is a polemical treatise critiquing individuals who enter into compromised or corrupt systems under the claim of pursuing Islamic reform. Structured around a direct dialogue format, the work argues that legitimate reform requires adhering strictly to the prophetic way, maintaining sincerity, and separating from falsehood rather than assimilating into corrupt paths. It also refutes common justifications for compromise, such as blind imitation, parental pressure, or preventing worse corruption.
al-Tafakkur wal-I'tibar bi Ayat al-Kusuf wal-Zalazil wal-I'sar (Reflection and Taking Heed from the Signs of Eclipses, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes) is an Islamic treatise on preaching and theological reflection. Addressing natural and cosmic occurrences such as solar and lunar eclipses, earthquakes, and violent storms, the book argues from a scriptural standpoint that such phenomena serve as divinely ordained signs meant to instill reverence, fear, and repentance among believers rather than being viewed solely through materialistic explanations.
Thimar Yani'a wa Ta'liqat Nafi'a (Ripe Fruits and Beneficial Comments) is a treatise of theological and ethical reflections. The work compiles excerpted passages and beneficial insights drawn from classical authorities, arranging them under topical headings alongside analytical commentary. These reflections apply classical theological and legal principles to contemporary circumstances, addressing matters such as the unseen, intercession, spiritual purification, and modern practices.
This theological and jurisprudential treatise explores the divine wisdom underlying the diversity, growth patterns, and placement of human hair as manifestations of God's craftsmanship. Structured in the form of a legal responsum, the work examines the obligation to let the beard grow and the prohibition against shaving it, arguing that divine law aligns inherently with the natural physical constitution and aesthetic order of human creation.
This Arabic treatise on Islamic creed and spiritual conduct examines the theological concept of servitude, defined as the complete and voluntary devotion and submission of the believer to God. The text focuses on identifying and analyzing the spiritual, intellectual, and practical obstacles that hinder a worshiper on the path to realizing true servitude.
This treatise on Islamic asceticism focuses on the religious censure of excessive construction, architectural extravagance, and decorative ornamentation in the transient worldly life. Drawing upon Quranic verses, prophetic traditions, historical reports, and ascetic poetry, the work admonishes against dwelling beautification that distracts from worship, arguing that buildings should be confined to what is strictly necessary for shelter.
Completed in 1421 AH (2000 CE), this admonitory and educational treatise addresses women's modesty, veiling, and religious ethics. Structured into short thematic prose sections alongside original poetry, the work exhorts Muslim women to adhere to the legislated veil, remain focused on preparation for the afterlife, and avoid ostentation, uncovering, and the imitation of non-Muslim customs.
Completed in 1428 AH (2007 CE), this treatise investigates the Islamic legal and theological foundations for religious ostracism and the principle of loving and hating for the sake of God. The work specifically clarifies the rules, scriptural proofs, and scholarly precedents governing the boycotting and censure of openly sinning Muslims and proponents of religious innovations.
al-Hubb fi Allah (Love for the Sake of Allah) is a treatise on Islamic creed and ethics focusing on the theological duty of loving and hating for the sake of God.
Marifat al-Mamur bihi wal-Mahdhur fi Ziyarat al-Qubur (Knowledge of What Is Commanded and What Is Prohibited in Visiting Graves) is a theological treatise examining the legal rulings and doctrinal boundaries concerning the visitation of graves.
Bayan al-Ilm al-Asil wa al-Muzahim al-Dakhil (Clarification of Authentic Knowledge and the Intrusion that Crowds It Out) is an Islamic treatise devoted to defining authentic prophetic knowledge, exposing extraneous fields of study that compete with it, and critiquing the pursuit of worldly status through religious learning.
al-Ibtal wal-Rafd li-udwan man tajarra ala Kashf al-Shubuhat bil-Naqd is a single-volume theological polemic written in 1422 AH (2001 CE). It serves as a detailed refutation of Hasan ibn Farhan al-Maliki's treatise Naqd Kashf al-Shubuhat, defending Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and his classic creedal treatise Kashf al-Shubuhat.
al-Furqan fi Bayan Ijaz al-Quran (The Criterion in Clarifying the Inimitability of the Quran) is a theological treatise that critiques the contemporary movement of the "scientific inimitability" (al-i‘jaz al-‘ilmi) of the Quran.
Takhir Nasr al-Din Lutf bil-Muminin wa Makr bil-Kafirin wal-Munafiqin (Delaying the Victory of Religion is a Grace to the Believers and a Stratagem against the Disbelievers and Hypocrites) is a short treatise examining the theological wisdoms behind delays in divine victory and the trials experienced by Muslims.
Manazil al-Hur al-Ayn fi Qulub al-Arifin bi Rabb al-Alamin (The Stations of the Houris in the Hearts of Those Possessing Knowledge of the Lord of the Worlds) is a theological and spiritual treatise on purifying worship and love for God above created rewards.
Ihsan Suluk al-Abd al-Mamluk ila Malik al-Muluk (Perfecting the Conduct of the Enslaved Servant toward the King of Kings) is a treatise on Islamic spiritual conduct (suluk), servitude, and self-purification.