An Explanation of the Four Fundamental Principles

Shaikh Salih Al-Fawzan | 

About The Book — This is the book The Four Principles which Shaikh Al-Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhaab has written. Though it is a short treatise, it emulates The Three Fundamental Principles from the point of view that it is necessary for the students of knowledge to grasp it.

Shaikh Al-Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhaab lays out four clear and comprehensive principles regarding Islamic Monotheism, and the explainer; Shaikh Al-Fawzaan, elaborates upon them in order to facilitate their easy understanding. Once these four principles are understood, a person may be able to continue upon the path of seeking knowledge of Tawheed — the core foundation of our religion upon which all other actions are built.

The scholars of the past and present are unwavering in their commitment to teach Tawhīd with its correct understanding and importance, and in warning from Shirk and its dangers — since without Tawheed, all the other actions and beliefs that a person may have are rendered deficient. As Shaikh Al-Fawzān mentions in the first chapter of this book: “This is a very important matter — rather knowledge of it is more obligatory for you than knowledge of the rulings of Salāh, Zakāh, the other forms of worship and the rest of the matters of the religion, due to the fact that it is the foremost matter and the foundation.

About The Author — The author of this treatise is the Shaikh of Islaam, the Reviver of the Religion, the Imaam and Scholar, Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhaab Ibn Sulaimaan Ibn Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Ibn Raashid from the tribe of Tameem. He was born in the town of Uyainah in 1115AH (1703CE) in a household of scholarship and knowledge. Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhaab memorised the Qur’aan by the age of ten and studied the various sciences of the Religion under his father. He studied extensively the books of Qurʾanic commentary (Tafsīr) and Hadīth, and was often found studying throughout the days and nights. He greatly benefitted from the teachings and writings of Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728AH) and Ibn Al-Qayyim (d. 752AH) — such that he would transcribe their works. Eventually, he moved to the town of Dir’iyyah, where Allāh strengthened his da’wah through the ruler, the Ameer, Muhammad Ibn Sa’ood who was amazed with the da’wah and knowledge of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhaab. So, he strengthened the Shaikh and aided him by Allaah’s permission, and the da’wah spread far and wide. He died in the year 1206AH (1792CE) at the age of ninety-one. He spent his life in the service of daʿwah, striving, seeking knowledge, fighting innovation and teaching, so may Allaah have mercy upon him.

About The Explainer — The explainer of this treatise is Shaikh Saalih Ibn Fawzaan Ibn Abdillaah Al-Fawzaan. He was born in the year 1354AH (1935CE) into the Ash-Shamaasiyah clan from the tribe of Ad-Dawāsir. His teachers include Imaam Ibn Baaz, Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Humaid, Muhammad Al-Amīn Ash-Shinqeetee, and other scholars. He is a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and a member of the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Issuing Fatwas. May Allaah preserve him upon Sunnah and steadfastness, and reward him for his efforts and benefit to the Muslims — Aameen.