Bakr Abu Zayd

Bakr ibn Abdullah Abu Zayd ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Bakr (1944-2008 CE / 1364-1429 AH) was a Saudi scholar and member of the Council of Senior Scholars, the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta, and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. Born in Shaqra in the Riyadh region, he studied in Riyadh and at the Islamic University of Madinah and later served as a judge before turning fully to scholarly work.

Bakr Abu Zayd authored distinctive works that addressed topics often neglected by other scholars. His most beloved work is Hilyat Talib al-Ilm (The Adornment of the Student of Knowledge), a guide to the etiquette and manners of seeking Islamic knowledge that has been widely adopted as essential reading for beginning students. He also authored al-Madkhal al-Mufassal ila Fiqh al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a detailed introduction to Hanbali jurisprudence and its bibliography; Mu'jam al-Manahi al-Lafziyyah (Dictionary of Prohibited Expressions), identifying common phrases that carry problematic meanings; Tashih ad-Du'a, correcting common errors in supplication; and at-Ta'sil li-Usul at-Takhrij on hadith referencing methodology.

Bakr Abu Zayd's works are characterized by their originality, their attention to scholarly manners and methodology, and their practical utility. His Hilyat Talib al-Ilm in particular has become a foundational text in Islamic educational curricula worldwide. He served in the highest religious advisory positions in Saudi Arabia and was respected across scholarly orientations for his fairness, erudition, and commitment to scholarly standards. He passed away in Riyadh.