Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Salih Al-Mahmood Biography

Dr. Abdur-Rahman ibn Salih ibn Salih al-Mahmood is a contemporary Saudi scholar specializing in Islamic creed (aqidah) and methodology, known particularly for his works engaging with theological currents in modern Muslim thought. Born in 1373 AH / 1953 CE in the town of al-Bakiriyya in al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia, into the tribe of Banu Tamim, he completed his early studies at the local scientific institute before moving to Riyadh for higher education.

Al-Mahmood graduated from the Faculty of Sharia in Riyadh in 1395 AH / 1975 CE and went on to earn his master's and doctoral degrees from the Faculty of Usul al-Din at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University. His teachers include Salih al-Fawzan, Abdul Karim al-Lahim, and Abdur-Rahman al-Barrak. His writings address issues of governance, creed, and the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah, with particular attention to navigating extreme positions on either end of the theological spectrum. His most widely circulated English-language work is Man-Made Laws vs. Shari'ah, a detailed treatment of the views of the Murji'ah and Khawarij and the middle position of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.

He continues to teach and write in Saudi Arabia, contributing to contemporary discussions on creed, jurisprudence, and Islamic political thought.