Passing of Sheikh Dr. Rashid Al-Rajih, the first president of Umm Al-Qura University and head of the Makkah Literary Club.
After a rich cultural life and extensive scholarly and research contributions that enriched the cultural landscape of the Kingdom, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Rashid Al-Rajeh passed away on Wednesday evening, August 5, 2026, after a long life devoted to serving religion and the nation. Dr. Al-Rajeh, may Allah have mercy on him, held several prominent positions, including serving as the first director of Umm Al-Qura University, Chairman of the Makkah Literary Club, Vice Chairman of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, and a member of the Shura Council.
Media platforms, newspapers, and social media were filled with tributes written by numerous scholars, researchers, and academics mourning the late scholar, may Allah have mercy on him. On their accounts on the platform X (formerly Twitter), a number of writers expressed their condolences. Dr. Khalid bin Saad Al-Khashlan wrote:
“His Excellency Sheikh Rashid, may Allah have mercy on him, was a statesman in every sense of the word: he loved his country, was loyal to its leadership, and was deeply engaged with the principles and foundations upon which this blessed nation was established. In every position he managed and every office he held, he was recognized for his competence and wisdom, and his clear and lasting impact was evident. If a writer were to write about men who passed away after leaving a profound impact on their society and country, His Excellency Sheikh Rashid would undoubtedly be at the forefront of such men. His loss, and the loss of those like him, is certainly a loss for the nation, but this is the way of Allah in life.
May Allah have mercy on His servant Rashid Al-Rajeh, who was in need of His mercy, forgive him, and grant him a spacious place in His Paradise. May He grant patience and solace to his family, relatives, acquaintances, students, loved ones, and all those who knew and cherished him. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.”
Dr. Sharif Issam Al-Hijari wrote: “Makkah mourns her noble son… and the sheikh of chivalry among her people.”
Dr. Sharif Al-Harthi wrote: “I have cherished memories with him. I used to visit him in his office at the Makkah Literary Club in the Al-Aziziyah district of Makkah and greet him. I would find him welcoming and appreciative, encouraging me to continue my postgraduate studies.”
Mashhour bin Mohammed bin Mureisi wrote: “With hearts that believe in Allah’s decree and destiny, we received the news of the passing of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Rashid Al-Rajeh, whom we knew for his good character, pleasant companionship, and generosity toward his neighbors. He was truly an excellent neighbor, and his good influence and honorable memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. We ask Almighty Allah to forgive him, have mercy on him, and grant him the highest level of Paradise.”
Dr. Dhafer Al-Omari wrote: “Dr. Rashid Al-Rajeh Al-Sharif, director of Umm Al-Qura University and its first director, passed away yesterday evening. We knew him when we were university students, and I will never forget his chivalry, compassion, sincerity toward his students, and his concern for them and responsiveness to their needs. He was kind-hearted, cheerful, welcoming, and devoted to faith and righteousness. This is how we regard him, and Allah is our Judge and his.”
Academic Profile:
Rashid Al-Rajeh (1363–1448 AH / 1944–2026 AD) was a Saudi administrator and university professor and the first director of Umm Al-Qura University. He also served as a member of the Shura Council for ten years (1995–2005), held the position of Secretary-General of the Human Rights Commission, and served as Vice Chairman of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue. In addition, he chaired the Board of Directors of the Makkah Literary and Cultural Club and served as a member of several scientific and university councils and organizations inside and outside the Kingdom.
Rashid bin Rajeh bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al-Abdali Al-Sharif was born in 1363 AH (1944 AD) in Al-Alawah village in Turabah, near Taif in the Makkah Region. He received his early education in his hometown before continuing his studies in Taif and then enrolling at the College of Sharia in Makkah. He obtained his bachelor's degree in 1966 and was subsequently sent on a scholarship to the University of Cambridge in Britain, where he earned a doctorate in Arabic Language Philosophy in 1972.
After returning to the Kingdom, he served as Dean of the College of Sharia in Makkah and later supervised the Makkah branch of King Abdulaziz University. He was subsequently appointed the first director of Umm Al-Qura University following its establishment. He led the university from 1982 to 1995, contributing to the consolidation of its academic structure and the expansion of its academic programs and postgraduate studies.
Memberships and Honors:
He was a member of the Supreme Council of King Saud University and a member of the Supreme Council of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University. He was also a member of the Board of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and a member of the Charitable Association for Anti-Smoking. He was an honorary member of Al-Wehda Sports Club, an honorary member of the Makkah Equestrian Club, and a member of the Association of Arab Universities, the Universities of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Association of Islamic Universities.
He received several awards and honors. The Al-Mashouh Tuesday Gathering in Riyadh honored him on 24 Rajab 1424 AH. The Makkah Municipality named one of its streets in the Al-Awali district after him in recognition of his contributions. The annual local award for academic excellence in Turabah Governorate was also named after him by the Emirate of the Makkah Region.
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