al-Shaykh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz Namudhaj min al-Ra'il al-Awwal
- Author died
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- Editions
- Dār Ibn al-Qayyim
al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ibn Bāz: Namūdhaj min al-Raʿīl al-Awwal (Sheikh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz: A Model of the Early Generation) is a biographical treatise by the Saudi scholar Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad, dedicated to the life, scholarly career, and character of the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz (1330–1420 AH / 1912–1999 CE) .
Origin and Publication
The work originated as a memorial lecture delivered by al-Abbad on the eve of Friday, 6 Safar 1420 AH, at the grand mosque of the Islamic University of Madinah . It was delivered shortly after Ibn Baz's death, which occurred on 27 Muharram 1420 AH . The author transcribed the recorded audio of the address, introduced minor revisions and edits, and published it as an independent monograph . It was subsequently published in book form by Maktabat Dar Ibn al-Qayyim in 1421 AH (2000 CE) .
Contents and Structure
In his introduction, al-Abbad characterizes Ibn Baz as a model reminiscent of the righteous early forebears (al-salaf) in his depth of knowledge, moral character, and public service . The treatise is structured around ten core points:
- Lineage, Birth, and Upbringing: Records Ibn Baz's birth on 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1330 AH in Riyadh, his early memorization of the Quran, and the loss of his eyesight, which began deteriorating due to illness at age sixteen until he became fully blind at age twenty .
- Teachers and Students: Outlines his principal teachers, emphasizing his prolonged study under the former Grand Mufti Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al al-Shaykh, as well as Muhammad ibn Abd al-Latif, Salih ibn Abd al-Aziz, Sa'd ibn Hamad ibn Atiq, Hamad ibn Faris, and Sa'd Waqqas al-Bukhari (from whom he learned Quranic recitation in Mecca in 1355 AH) . It also highlights the large number of judges and academics among his students, including the first five graduating cohorts of the College of Sharia in Riyadh, with al-Abbad noting that he himself belonged to the fourth cohort .
- Appointed Offices: Chronicles his career milestones, beginning with his appointment as a judge in al-Kharj from Jumada al-Akhirah 1357 AH to 1371 AH, followed by his teaching at the Riyadh Scientific Institute and College of Sharia until 1380 AH . It covers his foundational role at the Islamic University of Madinah as vice president and later president from 1381 AH to 1395 AH, his subsequent presidency of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and his appointment as Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and head of the Council of Senior Scholars in 1414 AH, alongside presiding roles in bodies of the Muslim World League .
- Scholarly Competence: Highlights his command of hadith analysis, chain criticism, and jurisprudence, as well as his methodology of relying strictly on textual proofs (dalīl) in legal verdicts and teaching .
- General Benefit and Public Service: Details his extensive counsel, outreach, and assistance to Muslims globally .
- Worship: Focuses on his personal devotion and piety .
- Writings: Reviews his authored treatises, tracts, and compilations .
- Author's Personal Relationship: Documents al-Abbad's personal connection and experiences with him as a student and colleague .
- Death, Progeny, and Successors: Discusses his death, family, and successors in office .
- Aspirations and Proposals: Concludes with recommendations, particularly urging scholars and students to continue the task of assembling, publishing, and distributing Ibn Baz's dispersed fatwas, letters, and treatises, noting that twelve volumes had been compiled and printed at the time .
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