Biography of His Excellency Shaykh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Shaykh
Name and Lineage
His Excellency, the Eminent Shaykh Saleh bin Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Abdul Latif bin Abdul Rahman bin Hassan bin the Shaykh, Imam, and Reformer Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab—from whom the noble Al-Shaykh family descends.
Birth and Upbringing
He was born in the city of Riyadh in the year 1378 AH (1959 AD) and was raised in a household of learning and righteousness. His father, Shaykh Abdulaziz (may Allah have mercy on him), was a well-known scholar, and his grandfather, His Eminence Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibrahim (may Allah have mercy on him), was one of the most prominent scholars of his era and the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in his time.
Academic and Scholarly Career
He completed his education stages in Riyadh. He initially enrolled in the College of Engineering at King Saud University before transferring to the College of Usul al-Din (Fundamentals of Religion) at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, from which he graduated.
He studied under several prominent scholars, most notably:
- Shaykh Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim (his father)
- Shaykh Abdulaziz bin Murshid
- Shaykh Abdullah bin Aqil
- Shaykh Abdullah bin Ghudayyan
- Shaykh Saleh Al-Atram
- Shaykh Hammad Al-Ansari
- Shaykh Ismail Al-Ansari
From a young age, the Shaykh (may Allah preserve him) excelled in the Islamic sciences. He dedicated himself to learning from major scholars while maintaining a strong interest in research, reading, and authorship.
He was granted high scholarly authorizations (ijazat) from a number of scholars across Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Morocco, Pakistan, and India.
Teaching and Education
He worked in academia at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in the College of Usul al-Din until the year 1416 AH. He examined numerous academic theses, supervised others, and regularly taught various branches of Islamic sciences in mosques. His lessons were distinguished by their structured methodology, strong academic content, and attention to educational and developmental aspects.
He has delivered numerous specialized scientific, educational, and methodological lectures, as well as meetings in which he discussed various jurisprudence (fiqh) and propagation (da’wah) matters.
He has also participated in various multi-topic conferences and seminars both inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Works and Publications
He has authored many books and scholarly works, some of which have been published, including:
- Al-Takmeel li-ma Fata Takhrijuhu min Irwa’ al-Ghalil
- Mawsu’at al-Kutub al-Sittah (Encyclopedia of the Six Books)
- Al-Tamheed fi Sharh Kitab al-Tawheed
- A Letter to the West: A Perspective from Saudi Arabia (Supervision and Review)
Positions Held
- 1416 AH: A Royal Decree was issued appointing him as Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call, and Guidance.
- 1420 AH: A Royal Decree was issued appointing him as Minister of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call, and Guidance (a position he held continuously).
- Member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
- General Supervisor of the Da’wah Charitable Foundation.
- General Supervisor of the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran.
- Chairman of the Supreme Council of Endowments.
- Chairman of the Council for Call and Guidance.
- Chairman of the Supreme Council for Charitable Societies for Quran Memorization.
- President of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY).
- Chairman of the Executive Council of Ministers of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
- Member of the International Islamic Council for Da’wah and Relief.
- Member of the Supreme Committee for Education Policy.
- Chairman of the Endowment Committee for Disabled Children.
- Active Member of the Saudi Fiqh Society.
Source: السيرة الذاتية لمعالي الشيخ صالح بن عبد العزيز آل الشيخ