In a significant development from the holy city of Medina, the President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, held a high-level engagement with leading media practitioners as part of preparations to honour one of Islam’s revered scholars, the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh — may Allah have mercy on him.
The meeting, which took place at the Presidency’s Medina branch, was convened to formally introduce the forthcoming forum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life, legacy, and religious contributions of the esteemed former imam of the Prophet’s Mosque. Sheikh Al-Sudais, who is widely respected across the Islamic world for his leadership and service to the Two Holy Mosques, used the occasion to underscore the vital role media institutions play in preserving Islamic heritage and documenting the lives of distinguished scholars whose teachings and leadership have shaped generations.
He stressed that the media is not just a conveyor of news but a vehicle for enlightenment, education, and societal preservation. According to him, highlighting the intellectual and spiritual efforts of eminent personalities such as Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh is not merely ceremonial but a form of national and religious responsibility.
Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh, who served as an imam of the Prophet’s Mosque for several decades, remains a towering figure in the annals of Islamic scholarship. Born in 1916 in the city of Medina, he began his service at the mosque in the early 1940s and eventually rose to become one of the most revered imams of his time, known for his humility, scholarly depth, and dedication to serving pilgrims and residents alike. His sermons, jurisprudential knowledge, and leadership during Friday prayers were widely respected across the Muslim world, with millions benefiting from his spiritual guidance over the years.
During the meeting, Sheikh Al-Sudais officially launched the media campaign for the upcoming forum. He revealed that the initiative includes extensive documentation, media sessions, and scholarly discussions aimed at revisiting the legacy of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh and embedding his contributions in the historical narrative of Islamic leadership. The forum, he noted, is being organized with the blessings of the Saudi leadership, who have consistently demonstrated commitment to honoring those who have selflessly served Islam and the Kingdom.
According to Al-Sudais, this effort by the Presidency of Religious Affairs is part of a broader strategy to institutionalize the memory of outstanding Islamic figures and ensure their contributions are never lost to time. He affirmed that loyalty to such personalities reflects the values of the Saudi state, which upholds scholarship, piety, and national service as cornerstones of societal development.
The media campaign will feature digital and traditional platforms, including documentaries, panel discussions, interviews with scholars, and archival footage of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh’s time at the Prophet’s Mosque. The Presidency aims to ensure the younger generation, particularly those studying Islamic sciences, understand the depth and integrity of past religious leadership and are inspired to uphold the same standards of service and knowledge.
Sheikh Al-Sudais concluded the meeting by urging the media to take ownership of their role as partners in nation-building and cultural preservation. He emphasized that by celebrating figures like Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh, the media would be contributing to a noble mission of gratitude, education, and spiritual continuity.
This move comes at a time when Saudi Arabia continues its broader initiatives under Vision 2030 to promote cultural awareness, religious heritage, and the modernization of the Kingdom’s historical and religious institutions while preserving their sanctity.
