Ibn Baz

Abd al-Aziz ibn Abd Allah Al Baz (; 21 November 1912 – 13 May 1999), known as Ibn Baz or Bin Baz, was a Saudi Islamic scholar who served as the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1993 until his death in 1999.

According to French political scientist Gilles Kepel, Ibn Baz was a "figurehead" whose "immense religious erudition and his reputation for intransigence" gave him prestige among the population of Saudi Arabia. He "could reinforce the Saud family's policies through his influence with the masses of believers".

Ibn Baz issued a fatwa authorising a wealth tax to support the mujahidin during the anti-Soviet jihad. His endorsement of ''In Defence of Muslim Lands'', principally written by Abdullah Azzam, was a powerful influence in the successful call for jihad against the Soviet Union. It is said to be the first official call for jihad by a nation state against another nation state in modern times. Provided by Wikipedia