Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid, the esteemed guardian of Masjid Al Haram, Islam’s most sacred mosque, has embarked on a significant six-day visit to Islamabad with the primary objective of enhancing the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
This visit holds immense importance not only for its diplomatic implications but also for the spiritual enrichment it brings to the local community.
Scheduled to engage in discussions with Pakistani leaders, Sheikh Saleh’s visit is marked by a notable event—leading the Friday prayers at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque. For the city’s inhabitants, this is a rare and auspicious opportunity to pray behind the Imam of Masjid Al Haram, adding a special significance to the visit.
Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid brings a wealth of experience to his role as the guardian of Masjid Al Haram and an advisor to the Saudi Royal Court. His distinguished career includes serving as the head of Saudi Arabia’s Soura Council and as the President of the High Judiciary Commission.
Hailing from Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Saleh became a Hafiz-e-Quran at the young age of 20 and later pursued higher education, earning his Masters and PhD from Umm Al Qurra University in Makkah. His journey led him to be appointed as an imam at Masjid Al Haram in 1983.
Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Sheikh Saleh was warmly welcomed by a host of dignitaries, including caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, caretaker Minister for Education Madad Ali Sindhi, Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al Malki, and other senior officials.
Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, who also serves as the SAPM on Religious Harmony, underlined the spiritual and diplomatic significance of Sheikh Saleh’s visit. He expressed optimism that the visit would contribute to the promotion of peace, unity, and shared values between the two nations.
This visit is not just a diplomatic formality; it symbolizes a profound step in fortifying the already strong relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Rooted in shared religious and cultural values, the deep bond between these nations is expected to be further strengthened through this momentous visit of Sheikh Saleh Al Humaid.
