Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (1263–1328 CE) was one of the most influential Islamic scholars in history, known for his strong emphasis on returning Islamic teachings to their original sources: the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Born in Harran (present-day Turkey) and later educated in Damascus (Syria), he became a leading scholar in Islamic theology (ʿaqīdah), law (fiqh), Hadith, and Qur’anic interpretation. He belonged to the Hanbali school of thought, but his independent reasoning often went beyond strict school boundaries.

He is especially known for:

Advocating a direct, text-based understanding of Islam
Criticizing practices he considered innovations (bidʿah), such as excessive saint veneration
Writing extensive works on creed, law, and comparative theology
Engaging in debates with philosophers, theologians, and other religious groups

Because of his strong opinions, he was imprisoned multiple times in Cairo and Damascus. He died in prison in Damascus in 1328 CE. Despite opposition during his life, his writings later became highly influential in Islamic reform movements.

He authored a very large number of works—estimated between 300 to 700 writings, including fatwas, theological treatises, and legal texts.

Some of his most well-known works include:

Majmu‘ al-Fatawa (Collected Legal Opinions)
Minhaj al-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah
Al-Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah
Dar’ Ta‘arud al-‘Aql wa al-Naql