Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem (رحمه الله)

Date of Birth and Death

• Born: 1893 CE (1311 AH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Died: 1969 CE (1389 AH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Origin and Early Life

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Al ash-Shaykh was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, into a family renowned for its religious scholarship and dedication to Islamic education. He was part of the prominent Al ash-Shaykh family, which had historically held significant religious authority in the Arabian Peninsula. From a young age, Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem demonstrated exceptional aptitude for learning and a deep commitment to the study of Islamic sciences.

Education and Teachers

Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem pursued his religious education with great fervor, studying under several distinguished scholars. Some of his notable teachers included:

• Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Hasan Al ash-Shaykh (his uncle and primary mentor)
• Shaykh Sa’d ibn Atiq
• Shaykh Hamad ibn Faris
• Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Latif Al ash-Shaykh

He studied a wide range of Islamic disciplines, including Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and Aqeedah (Islamic creed).

Expertise and Works

Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem was highly regarded for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his contributions to the field of Islamic education. He served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and was instrumental in shaping the country’s religious policies.

Some of his significant works include:

• “Fataawa al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem”: A collection of his legal opinions and religious rulings.
• “Risalah fi Hukm al-Tawassul”: A treatise on the rulings regarding intercession in Islam.
• “Ahkam al-Talaq”: A detailed work on the rulings of divorce in Islamic law.

Famous For

Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem is renowned for his role as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and his leadership in the religious establishment. His legal opinions (fatwas) and scholarly works significantly influenced contemporary Islamic thought and practice in Saudi Arabia and beyond. He was also known for his efforts to reform and modernize the religious education system in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that it remained deeply rooted in traditional Islamic scholarship while addressing contemporary issues.

Character and Piety

Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem was known for his piety, humility, and dedication to the service of Islam. He led a life of simplicity and was deeply committed to his scholarly pursuits. His contemporaries praised his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam. Despite his high-ranking position, he remained accessible to people, providing guidance and support to those seeking religious knowledge.

Books and Teachings

The teachings and writings of Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem continue to be influential in Islamic education and jurisprudence. His fatwas and scholarly works are studied in Islamic universities and seminaries, particularly in Saudi Arabia. His contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his efforts to address contemporary issues within the framework of traditional Islamic teachings have left a lasting legacy.

Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem’s legacy as a scholar, jurist, and educator remains enduring. His works and teachings continue to inspire and guide Muslims in their understanding and practice of Islam, ensuring his revered status in the Muslim world.