Sharh Thalathat al-Usul li-Ibn Baz
- Author died
- 1420 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Masīr
Sharh Thalathat al-Usul is a theological commentary by the Saudi scholar Ibn Baz (d. 1420 AH / 1999 CE) on the creedal treatise Thalathat al-Usul (The Three Fundamentals) by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1115–1206 AH / 1703–1792 CE) .
Background and Compilation
The work originated as oral lessons delivered by Ibn Baz during his regular teaching sessions on Islamic theology . The text was transcribed from audio recordings, edited, and annotated with hadith source verifications (takhrij) by Ali ibn Salih al-Marri and Ibn Baz's son Ahmad ibn Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz over a period exceeding ten years .
After completing the transcription and footnoting, the compilers presented the finalized text to Ibn Baz for review, who granted formal written authorization (ijazah) for its publication while serving as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the head of the Council of Senior Scholars . The commentary was published in a single volume by Dar al-Fath in Medina in 1416 AH (1995–1996 CE) .
Contents and Approach
The commentary systematically explains the core topics set out in Ibn Abd al-Wahhab's concise treatise, focusing on foundational Islamic beliefs grounded directly in textual evidence from the Quran and Sunnah . The text covers:
- The Four Introductory Principles: The obligation for every Muslim to acquire knowledge (knowing Allah, His Prophet, and the religion of Islam through textual proofs), act upon that knowledge, invite others to it, and remain patient in the face of hardship .
- The Fundamentals of Pure Monotheism: Clarifying the nature of al-Hanifiyyah (the primordial Abrahamic faith), defining exclusive worship of Allah, and warning against polytheism (shirk) .
- The Three Core Fundamentals: Elucidating the three essential questions every individual faces upon being examined in the grave: knowledge of one's Lord (ma'rifat al-Rabb), knowledge of the religion of Islam based on proofs (ma'rifat din al-Islam bi-l-adillah), and knowledge of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (ma'rifat al-Nabi) .
Ibn Baz's commentary focuses on accessible exposition, clarifying terminology, explaining underlying Quranic passages, and emphasizing the personal obligation (fard 'ayn) of understanding basic creedal principles .
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