Nasir al-Aql
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Nasir ibn Abd al-Karim al-Aql is a contemporary Saudi scholar and professor of Islamic theology (aqidah) and contemporary intellectual trends at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh.
Education and Academic Career
Al-Aql graduated from the Faculty of Shariah in Riyadh, where he completed research on blind imitation and intellectual dependency (al-Taqlid wa-l-taba'iyya). He pursued postgraduate studies in Islamic theology, completing a master's thesis analyzing the rationalist school's approach to creed (al-Madrasa al-aqliyya fi al-aqida) and earning a doctorate in creed and contemporary trends with an analytical study and critical edition of Ibn Taymiyya's Iqtida' al-sirat al-mustaqim mukhalafat ashab al-jahim.
Among the prominent scholars under whom he studied were Salih al-Bulayhi and Abdullah ibn Jibreen. Following his doctoral studies, he was appointed to the faculty of the Department of Creed and Contemporary Trends at the Faculty of Usul al-Din at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University.
Teaching and Public Activity
Alongside his academic career, al-Aql conducted regular mosque-based educational circles, including a weekly theology lecture series at al-Dawsari Mosque in the al-Salam quarter and another weekly lesson at the university housing mosque in Riyadh. He also delivered theological lectures broadcast on the Saudi Holy Quran Radio station. His scholarly work has centered primarily on traditionalist theology, classical heresies, and modern intellectual currents, as reflected in his study of sectarian thought, al-Khawarij qadiman wa-hadithan ("The Kharijites: Past and Present").
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List of Works
This contemporary treatise examines religious extremism, excommunication (takfir), and violence. It analyzes the ideological and historical roots of extremism, examines its internal and contemporary manifestations, and outlines practical remedies for countering militant ideologies.
This treatise examines the vital role of Islamic scholars in reviving the educational, religious, and social functions of the mosque. It addresses misunderstandings that reduce the mosque's role solely to ritual prayer and outlines key areas through which scholars can restore its comprehensive mission.
This Islamic theological commentary expounds upon the classical Hanbali creed treatise Sharh al-Sunnah by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Khalaf al-Barbahari (d. 329 AH / 941 CE). It clarifies early Sunni doctrinal principles, emphasizing adherence to prophetic tradition and the consensus of early scholarship while refuting theological innovations.
This pedagogical commentary expounds Ibn Taymiyya's theological treatise al-Risala al-Tadmuriyya. Originating as a series of transcribed lectures, it focuses on clarifying the creed of the early generations concerning God's names and attributes (al-asma' wa-l-sifat) and divine decree (al-qadar).
This commentary on Islamic creed provides an explanatory study of the treatises and fatawa of Ibn Taymiyya regarding tawhid al-rububiyya (the Oneness of Divine Lordship). It expounds foundational principles concerning divine knowledge, the primary religious obligation, and the innate human disposition (fitra).
Sharh Kitab Qaida Jalila fi al-Tawassul wa al-Wasila ("Explanation of the Book 'A Sublime Principle Regarding Supplicatory Means and Intercession'") is a theological commentary on Ibn Taymiyyah's classical treatise Qa'idah Jalilah fi al-Tawassul wa-al-Wasilah. The work focuses on Islamic creed concerning intercession and drawing near to God, expounding the definition, scope, and scriptural boundaries of supplicatory means and seeking approach.
Sharh Lumat al-Itiqad (Commentary on the Luminescence of Creed) is a contemporary commentary explaining the classical Hanbali creedal treatise Lumat al-Itiqad by Ibn Qudamah. Originating as a mosque lecture series delivered for students of Islamic knowledge and later transcribed from audio recordings, it systematically examines foundational tenets of belief, including governing principles regarding the divine names and attributes.
Sharh al-Aqida al-Tahawiya (Commentary on al-Aqida al-Tahawiya) is a theological commentary on the classical creedal treatise authored by Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi. It elucidates standard doctrinal positions of the early traditionalist school across foundational areas of Islamic belief, including the definition of faith, the status of major sinners, and eschatological judgments, while addressing the historical development of theological thought.
Sharh Aqidat al-Salaf li al-Sabuni is a theological commentary on the classical treatise Aqidat al-Salaf wa-Ashab al-Hadith ("Creed of the Predecessors and the Hadith Scholars") by Abu Uthman al-Sabuni. It elucidates the fundamental doctrinal positions, epistemological foundations, and textual derivation methods of early traditionalist scholarship, addressing core creedal topics such as divine oneness, the attributes of God, and the uncreated nature of the Quran.
al-Ulama Hum al-Duah (The Scholars Are the Callers) is a treatise examining the relationship between Islamic scholarship and missionary activism. Originating from a public lecture delivered in Jumada al-Thaniyah 1412 AH (December 1991–January 1992 CE), the monograph critiques the modern separation between religious scholars and Islamic callers, asserting that the primary leadership and reference point of Islamic propagation inherently belong to scholars of religious law.
Sharh Bab Tawhid al-Uluhiyya min Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya is a doctrinal commentary consisting of transcribed lectures that explain the foundational treatises and rulings on divine servitude and monotheism (tawhid al-uluhiyya) from Ibn Taymiyya's compendium Majmu' al-Fatawa.
al-Ittijahat al-Aqliyya al-Muasira Usuluha wa Manahijuha is a theological treatise and lecture series that examines and critiques modern rationalist movements from a Sunni Salafi perspective.
Durus al-Shaykh Nasir al-Aql is a compilation of transcribed audio lessons, lectures, and media broadcasts. The collection focuses primarily on Islamic theology (aqidah), modern ideological trends, and the defense of orthodox Sunni doctrines.
Sharh Kitab Fadl al-Islam is a contemporary Islamic theological commentary on the treatise Kitab Fadl al-Islam (The Virtue of Islam) by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, providing an exposition of the text's chapter headings, Quranic verses, and Prophetic hadiths concerning the merits and core realities of Islam.
Mujmal Usul Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama'a fi al-Aqida is a concise theological treatise outlining the core doctrinal foundations and epistemological principles of Ahl al-Sunna.
Islamiyya la Wahhabiyya (Islamic, Not Wahhabi) is an apologetic and doctrinal study written to clarify the nature of the reformist movement of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (d. 1206 AH) and refute criticisms directed against it. The work argues that the movement represents orthodox Sunni Islam adhering to the creed of the righteous predecessors rather than an innovative doctrine or distinct sect.