His Exellency Shaikh Salih bin Abd Al-Rahman Al-Husayyin
King Faisal Prize in Service to Islam 2006 Laureate
The duty of every Muslim who is concerned with saving humanity is to support the existence of Islamic principles in the relations between people. By doing so, we not only serve Islam, but rather serves humanity
Salih Al-Husayyin graduated from the College of Shari’a in Riyadh in 1955, and obtained a master’s degree in legal studies from the Institute of Arabic Studies in Cairo in 1960. He also studied English and French languages. Shaikh Al-Husayyin started his career in teaching before becoming legal counsel to the Ministry of Finance, then a Chairman of the Saudi Disciplinary Commission and subsequently a State Minister and a Member of the Saudi Council of Ministers. He also served as a member of the Supreme Council for “Dawah” and Guidance in Saudi Arabia. He was the President of Al-Harameen Commission (The Two Holy Mosques) and a Chairman of King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue.
Shaikh Al-Husayyin played a prominent role in the field of Islamic Da’wa not only by preaching Islamic values of justice, equality, and righteousness, but also by emphasizing the moderate face of Islam and encouraging tolerance and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. He was a dedicated philanthropist and a founder of several local and international humanitarian institutions. An ardent supporter of education, the Shaikh had also served on the Supreme Councils of several Saudi Universities. He was an active intellectual and prolific writer, who has contributed profusely over the past 20 years to a better understanding of Islamic economics particularly on matters relating to Islamic banking in the light of contemporary economic thought. He was a strong advocate of the notions “the principal function of Islamic banking is dealing with money rather than dealing in money” and that “wealth should be utilized for the benefit of all rather than a certain class of people”.
Shaikh Al-Husayyin was a man of benevolence, respected by Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the world. His immense contribution to the service of Islam was matched only by his modesty, kindness, and self-denial.
This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.
- He authored many books including:
- Al-Tasamuh Wa Al-Udwaniyah Bain Al-Islam Wa Al-Gharb (King Saud University), (2008).
- Al-Alaqat Al-Duwaliyah Bain Manhaj Al-Islam Wa Al-Manhaj Al-Hadhary Al-Mu’asir (Al-Obaikan), (2008).
- Wasaya Li Al-Nabi Fi Al-Mi’at Youm Al-Akhirah Min Hayatih (2010).
- Al-Aqaliyat Al-Muslimah Fi Muwajahat Phobia Al-Islam (Guidance and Awareness of Communities in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah), (2015), (Published After Death).
- Roa’a Tasiliyah Fi Tariq Tariq Al-Huriyah (Al-Obaikan), (2016), (Published After Death).
- H.E. Shaikh Salih Bin Abdulrahman Al-Husayyin passed away in Riyadh on 4/5/2013.