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About The Waqif

Sheikh Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, May Allah Have Mercy on Him

About the waqif 

Sheikh Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, the founder of Al Rajhi Endowment, was a visionary leader dedicated to economic and social development through his business acumen and charitable efforts. His legacy continues to inspire and benefit communities.

Biography

Born in 1433 AH-1926 AD in Bakiriyah, Qasseem, KSA, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi is the real founder of the Al Rajhi brand economically, socially, and historically. After moving to Riyadh with his family in 1350 AH-1931 AD, Sheikh Saleh dedicated his life to learning and business.

Early Life and Education

Sheikh Saleh began his education by memorizing the Quran at the age of 13. He attended scholarly circles led by esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Mohammed ibn Ibrahim Alsheikh, Sheikh Abdullatif ibn Ibrahim Alsheikh, and Sheikh Mohammed Alameen Alshanqeeti.

Character

Known for his good manners, wisdom, and generosity, Sheikh Saleh's home in Riyadh was a welcoming place for relatives and visitors. Despite early hardships, he maintained a commitment to hospitality and charity, embodying patience, modesty, and asceticism.

Beginning of His Business

Sheikh Saleh started with simple jobs and later ventured into selling locks and keys. At sixteen, he established a money exchange business, which grew into a company and eventually one of the largest international banks, involving his brothers Abdullah, Suleiman, and Mohammed.

Investments

With the growth of Saudi Arabia's construction, agriculture, industry, and economy, Sheikh Saleh diversified his investments. He played key roles in various companies, contributing significantly to the Kingdom's development.

  • Managing Director, Electricity Company of Central Region.

  • Founder and Chairman, Saudi Cement Company.

  • Founder and Chairman, National Gypsum Company.

  • Founder and Chairman, Yamama Cement Company.

  • Founder and Chairman, Saudi Ceramics Company.

  • Founder and Chairman, Aljanoubiyah Cement Company.

  • Founder and Chairman, Nadec for Agricultural Development.

  • Founder and Chairman, Hail for Agricultural Development.

  • Founder and Chairman, Al-Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation.

  • Member and founder of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Founder of Saleh Abdulaziz Al Rajhi for Banking.

  • Founder of Saleh Abdulaziz Alrajhi and his partners, Ltd.

  • Member and founder of Tabuk for Agricultural Development.

  • Member and founder of the Saudi Company for sandy limestone bricks.

Charitable Work

Parallel to his business success, Sheikh Saleh was a pioneer in charitable work. He built hundreds of mosques, supported Quran memorization centers, and helped the poor and needy. He established the Al Rajhi Endowment, dedicated to various charitable causes including da’wah, education, health, and social services.

"Islam is the right path to success in all of our business and the problems facing the world today result from ignoring Islam as a way of life."
"I have never spent a million in zakat without having two from Allah."
"I have no desire in this world along with its pleasures, I only wish to live a simple life at my home with my children."
"An employee who offers a work opportunity to another is better than a farmer in his farm."
"Experience is better than specialization; scholarship cannot be utilized without experience. Through experience we can attain knowledge. Or, the best way is to combine both knowledge and experience."

Famous Words

 Illness and Death

"Sheikh Saleh experienced health issues following a traffic accident near the Yamamah cement factory. Despite extensive medical treatment, he suffered a stroke and remained bedridden until his death on 9th Rabee’ I, 1432 - 12/2/2011."

Sayings About Him

Prominent figures and acquaintances remembered Sheikh Saleh for his faith, generosity, and impact. He was praised for his modesty, intelligence, and commitment to charitable work.

He was a man of faith, purity, and sincerity in buying and selling.
Sheikh Ibrahim ibn Saleh Alkhudairi
I attest that he loves to do what is good and gives in charity.
Sheikh Abdulaziz ibn Abdullah Alrajhi
Whoever knows him loves him.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Alluwihak
One of the most prominent characteristics of Sheikh Saleh is simplicity and unpretentiousness.
HE Dr. Abdulrahman Al Alsheikh
He was a wise man having the qualities of manliness and diligence.
HE Sheikh Mohammed ibn Ibrahim Alsubaie
Those who wrote to describe the kindness of Sheikh Saleh did not exaggerate.
Sheikh Thunayan Alfahd Thunayyan
He was one of the men known for their righteousness, obedience, and good character.
Sheikh Hamad ibn Abdulaziz Aljumaih
He was always kind, sincere in his dealings with others, and modest as he never liked bragging.
Mr. Abdulrahman Aljeraissy
He was undoubtedly the real founder of Al Rajhi brand name.
Sheikh Abdulaziz Alhamdan
Merchants and wealthy people should follow the example of Sheikh Saleh.
Saleh ibn Abdulrahman Alrashed
He was a generous man; he regards anything he gives as a manifestation of the good.
Sheikh Mohammed Habib
He was kind in his dealings, benevolent to others.
Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdulrahman Alajlan

References: "Salih Abdulaziz Al Rajhi: A Biography, Al-Iqtisadiyah Newspaper, Issue 6334, Al Jazeera Newspaper, Issue 3076."

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