Shaykh Saleh ibn Muhammad al-Luhaydan

Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Luhaidan (1350–1443 AH / 1932–2022 AD) was a Saudi Islamic scholar and judge. He served as the President of the Supreme Judicial Council and as a member of the Council of Senior Scholars from its establishment in 1391 AH / 1970 AD until the day of his death.

Education

He was born in the Al-Bukayriyah Governorate of the Al-Qassim Region. After completing his basic education across its three stages, he enrolled in the College of Sharia in the capital, Riyadh, to pursue his university education. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of Sharia in 1379 AH, and subsequently joined the Higher Judicial Institute, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Judiciary in 1389 AH.

Professional Career

Following his graduation from the College of Sharia in 1379 AH, he worked as a secretary to Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Sheikh in the Office of Mufti until 1383 AH. He was then appointed as the Assistant President of the Grand Court in Riyadh before becoming its President in 1384 AH.

Al-Luhaidan remained President of the Grand Court in the capital, Riyadh, until 1390 AH—the year he was appointed as a Cassation Judge and a member of the Supreme Judicial Commission. In 1403 AH, he was appointed President of the Permanent Committee of the Supreme Judicial Council, continuing in that role as Vice President of the Council in the absence of the president, until he became President of the Council in both its General and Permanent bodies in 1413 AH. He had been a member of the Council of Senior Muslim Scholars since its inception in 1391 AH, as well as a member of the Muslim World League. Additionally, he contributed to the founding of the Rayat Al-Islam (Banner of Islam) magazine, serving as its director and editor-in-chief.

Works and Publications

Saleh Al-Luhaidan authored a number of Islamic books, including:

  • Clarifying the Significance of the Obligation to Beware of Callers of Misguidance (Idah Al-Dalala fi Wujوب Al-Hathar min Du’at Al-Dalala)
  • The Virtue of the Call of Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahhab (Fadl Da’wat Al-Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahhab)
  • Explanation of the Four Rules (Sharh Al-Qawa’id Al-Arba’)

Sheikh Al-Luhaidan delivered lessons broadcast from the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), issued fatwas on the program Noor ‘Ala Al-Darb, and presented numerous lectures and seminars. He also participated in the examination and discussion of Master’s and doctoral dissertations.