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Sulaiman Al-Rajhi Passed Away. He was counted among the 20 most generous philanthropists in the world.

In the city of Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, there is a date palm orchard with approximately 200,000 trees, which has been dedicated to charity. This orchard produces 45 varieties of dates, with an annual yield of 10,000 tons. It is considered the largest charitable endowment (waqf) in the world.

The revenue from this orchard is used for constructing mosques worldwide, funding charitable projects, and organizing iftar meals in the Two Holy Mosques (Haramain Sharifain). This massive waqf was established by Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, one of the wealthiest individuals in Saudi Arabia, who dedicated it for the sake of Allah.

From Poverty to Philanthropy

Sulaiman Al-Rajhi was born into poverty. While in school, a recreational tour was announced, and each student was asked to contribute one riyal. He went home, but his parents could not afford even a single riyal. Heartbroken, he cried. As the tour date neared, his exam results were announced, and he secured the top position in his class. A Palestinian teacher, recognizing his achievement, rewarded him with one riyal. Overjoyed, he ran to deposit the amount for the tour.

With time, life took a remarkable turn. After completing his education, he started a small financial enterprise in Jeddah, which eventually expanded into a massive banking empire—Al-Rajhi Bank, one of the largest Islamic banks in the world.

Repaying a Childhood Debt

Years later, Sulaiman Al-Rajhi embarked on a mission to find his Palestinian teacher. He eventually found him living in retirement, struggling financially. Rajhi invited him into his car and said, "I am indebted to you."
The teacher humbly replied, "How can a poor man like me have a claim on anyone?"
Rajhi reminded him, "Years ago, you gifted me one riyal as a reward."
The teacher smiled, saying, "Do you now wish to return that one riyal?"
Instead, Rajhi drove him to a luxurious villa with an expensive car parked outside, telling him, "This house and car are now yours, and all your future expenses will be covered by me."
The teacher, overwhelmed with emotion, said, "This is too much!"
Rajhi responded, "The joy I feel in repaying you today is even greater than the joy I felt when you gave me that one riyal."

A Life of Selfless Giving

A man with such gratitude and generosity is never forsaken by Allah.

In 2010, Sulaiman Al-Rajhi gathered his family, including his children and wives, and distributed his wealth among them. However, he kept nothing for himself and donated all his remaining assets to charity.

Today, the total worth of his endowment exceeds 60 billion riyals. He was the owner of Al-Watania Company and Al-Rajhi Bank and generously donated 170 million riyals to help combat COVID-19. Additionally, he handed over two hotels in Makkah to the Ministry of Health for pandemic relief efforts.

His massive date farm endowment is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest charitable endowment.

Forbes magazine recognized him among the 20 greatest philanthropists globally. His life story is truly inspiring. It is hard to find a city in Saudi Arabia without a mosque, Dawah center, or Quranic school sponsored by the Al-Rajhi family.

Most notably, he ensured that his 150,000+ employees received their salaries before the end of each month.

This great personality has passed away.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un.