In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
With hearts that firmly believe in Allah’s decree and destiny, and with profound sorrow and grief, Medical Heritage received the sad news of the passing of the late Sheikh Muhammad Saleh bin Hamza bin Saleh Al-Sirafi. May Allah have abundant mercy upon him and grant him a place in His spacious Paradise.
On this painful occasion, Medical Heritage extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to his two esteemed sons, Engineer Anas Al-Sirafi and Mr. Hamza Al-Sirafi, as well as to all members of his family, relatives, and loved ones. We pray that Allah grant them patience, solace, and strength during this difficult time.
The passing of Sheikh Saleh Al-Sirafi is a profound loss of a man who brought together economic achievement, social responsibility, humanitarian service, and a deep commitment to culture and heritage, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of accomplishment and charitable work.
Born in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Sheikh Muhammad Saleh bin Hamza bin Saleh Al-Sirafi grew up in a distinguished family with a long tradition in commerce and business. He received his education at the Rahmaniya Schools and began his professional journey at an early age, working in the banking field at his father’s shop on Al-Mas‘a Street, thus continuing a long-standing family tradition that had been passed down through generations.
He became one of the pioneers of institutional banking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and was among the early Saudi figures to engage with international banks and global stock markets. He was also among the founding members of Bank Albilad and a founder of Makkah Construction and Development Company, serving on its Board of Directors during its formative stage. He further contributed to the establishment of a number of companies and economic institutions.
Yet Sheikh Saleh Al-Sirafi’s legacy extended far beyond his economic achievements. His commitment to social responsibility, charitable work, and humanitarian service was a defining feature of his life. He was among the early founders of charitable endowments and social initiatives and contributed to supporting children with disabilities and orphans. He also established the Saleh Al-Sirafi Charitable Foundation, making giving not merely an occasional act, but a deeply rooted principle and way of life.
His life reflects the journey of a self-made man who firmly believed that true success is only complete when it becomes a source of benefit to others and a lasting legacy beyond one’s lifetime. His giving was characterized by generosity, compassion, bringing comfort to others, and assisting those in need—values that remained present throughout the different stages of his life.
In the fields of heritage, culture, and the arts, may Allah have mercy upon him, he was also one of the founders of Al-Midad Foundation for Heritage, Culture and Arts, driven by a deep conviction in the importance of preserving cultural memory, safeguarding heritage, and supporting initiatives that make culture a bridge between the past, the present, and the future.
From this perspective, on behalf of myself and the entire Medical Heritage team, dedicated to preserving medical and cultural heritage and honoring those who have contributed to it, remembers Sheikh Saleh Al-Sirafi with profound appreciation and respect. His passing is a loss of a man who left his mark across multiple fields, bringing together professional success, service to society, and dedication to culture and heritage.
Those who make their lives a message, a contribution, and a lasting legacy do not truly disappear when they pass away. Their deeds remain as testimony to their lives, and their memory continues to live in the hearts of those who knew them and in the institutions and initiatives they helped build.
May Allah have abundant mercy upon Sheikh Muhammad Saleh bin Hamza bin Saleh Al-Sirafi, forgive him, honor his resting place, grant him a spacious abode, and accept his charitable and humanitarian deeds among his good works. May his legacy of goodness endure in this world, and may his reward continue in the Hereafter.
We pray that Allah grant his sons, Engineer Anas Al-Sirafi and Mr. Hamza Al-Sirafi, and all members of his family, patience and comfort, and grant them the strength to continue the path of goodness and service to which their father, may Allah have mercy upon him, devoted so much of his life.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.
Prof. El Bachir Benjelloun
Website Director
Medical Heritage
In tribute to the pioneers of heritage and culture, and in remembrance of their lives, contributions, and lasting legacy.