Ibn Taymiyyah
1263–1328 · Arab-Muslim (Harran/Damascus) · Mamluk Sultanate
Known for: The most controversial scholar in Islamic history — his writings inspire both reform and radicalism 700 years later
Ibn Taymiyyah was a Hanbali scholar who attacked Sufi practices, philosophical theology, and what he saw as innovations in Islam. Imprisoned multiple times for his views, he wrote prolifically from prison.
His writings influence both Salafi reform movements and, controversially, jihadist groups.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.