Makkah: Arafat preacher Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid, a prominent figure in the Islamic world, has had a distinguished career defined by extensive scholarship and leadership roles within the religious and academic communities. Born in Buraidah in the Qassim region in 1369 AH, his lineage traces back to the esteemed tribe of Bani Khalid. Raised by his father, Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Hamid, a renowned scholar, Sheikh Saleh’s early education was steeped in religious study.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Sheikh Saleh memorized the Holy Quran at a young age, completing his Tajweed studies at the Grand Mosque by sixteen under the guidance of Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Akbar Shah. He was among the first graduates of the Holy Quran Memorization Society in Makkah, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Islamic education. His academic journey further included studies in inheritance law, logic, and formal education in Buraidah and Mecca.
In addition to his religious studies, Sheikh Saleh pursued for
mal education, completing primary and secondary schooling in Buraidah and Mecca. Initially drawn to medicine, he studied for a year in Shiraz, Iran, before returning to Makkah to focus on Sharia studies. He graduated with honors from the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies and continued to excel in postgraduate studies at Umm Al-Qura University, earning both a Master’s and a PhD in Islamic jurisprudence.
Sheikh Saleh’s career has been marked by significant roles within the Grand Mosque, beginning as a volunteer Imam and later being appointed as an official Imam and Preacher. His teaching contributions at the Grand Mosque and other institutions have been extensive, focusing on subjects like faith, jurisprudence, and the interpretation of Islamic texts. His dedication to education also extended to teaching in Riyadh after his appointment as head of the Shura Council.
In addition to his religious duties, Sheikh Saleh has held numerous administrative positions, including President of the Supreme Judicial Coun
cil and Chairman of the Shura Council. His leadership extended to international participation in scientific conferences and contributions to various committees and boards focused on Islamic education, economics, and community development.
Sheikh Saleh’s writings and research reflect his commitment to applying Sharia law as a foundation for governance and security in Saudi Arabia. His administrative roles and membership in esteemed organizations underscore his influence in shaping Islamic thought and practice both domestically and internationally.