Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem Rahimahullah

Life, Legacy, and His Scholarship

Early Life and Education

Born in Riyadh into the prominent Al ash-Shaykh family, known for its deep-rooted Islamic scholarship. From a young age, he excelled in religious studies, showing remarkable dedication to Islamic sciences.

Education and Teachers

Studied under leading scholars, including Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Hasan Al ash-Shaykh (uncle and main mentor), Shaykh Sa’d ibn Atiq, Shaykh Hamad ibn Faris, and Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Latif Al ash-Shaykh. Mastered Fiqh, Hadith, Tafsir, and Aqeedah.

Expertise and Works

Served as Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, shaping religious policies and education. Authored Fataawa al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem, Risalah fi Hukm al-Tawassul, and Ahkam al-Talaq.

Famous Quote

“Holding firmly to the truth may cost you in this world, but it saves you in the Hereafter.” (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem, vol. 1)

Famous For

Guiding Saudi religious life, issuing influential fatwas, reforming Islamic education, and maintaining traditional scholarship while addressing modern issues.

Character and Piety

Known for humility, accessibility, and dedication to service. Led a simple life despite high office, showing integrity and wisdom in leadership.

Interesting Facts

• Belonged to the same family lineage as Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab.

• Personally taught many leading Saudi scholars of the next generation.

• Oversaw major curriculum reforms in Saudi religious schools.

Legacy

His fatwas and writings remain part of core Islamic scholarship in Saudi Arabia. Remembered as a jurist and educator whose work bridged traditional learning with contemporary challenges.

References

• Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem.
• Al-Durar al-Saniyyah fi al-Ajwibah al-Najdiyyah.
• Al-Mu’jam al-Shar’i li Mashahir al-‘Ulama’ wa al-Du’at, vol. 2.
• Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Barraak, biographical notes on Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem.
• Official biography from Dar al-Ifta’ al-Sa’udiyyah archives.