Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, chairman and founder of Al Baraka Banking Group (“ABG”), passed away on May 18, 2020.
Sheikh Saleh is widely acknowledged and revered internationally as a pioneer of Islamic banking & finance and Participation banking. He was the highest authority in the field of Islamic economics. As a philanthropist, Sheikh Saleh’s commitment and contribution to communities across the world is unparalleled.
Sheikh Saleh was also the Chairman of the Dallah Al Baraka Group, one of the largest business groups in the Middle East. He founded the group over 50 years ago and created Al Baraka Investment and Development, a holding company for many Islamic Banks, Financial Institutions and companies in various diversified businesses around the world.
In addition to being Chairman and Board Member of many companies within the Dallah Al Baraka Group, Sheikh Saleh was on the Boards of many social, charitable and cultural societies and foundations such as Arab Thought Foundations, King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for the Gifted, Islamic Solidarity Fund, and Arab Academy for Finance and Banking.
Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel was the Life President of The Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions. He is a Member of President’s Advisory Panel at Islamic Development Bank.
The President and CEO of Al Baraka Banking Group – Bahrain, Mr. Adnan Ahmed Yousif stated, “this is indeed an irreversible loss, not only to the humanity but also to Islamic banking, he was a visionary man, a great leader and above all father figure to people who were connected to him directly or indirectly. Implementation of Shariah rules in all his businesses, serving the society to help them prosper in all areas of life was the main essence of his principles. He has been a guiding beacon for all of us, we pray to Allah to shower His blessings on him and give us courage to take forward what he had initiated”
In recognition of his personal endeavours and the remarkable contribution of the Group, towards enhancing economic development and creating jobs and well-being, SheikhSaleh Abdullah Kamel has been awarded many medals, titles and prizes including the Jordanian Independence Decoration, the King Abdul Aziz Decoration – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Al Alawi Decoration – Morocco, the Royal Award for Islamic Finance – Malaysia and the Islamic Banker Award by the Islamic Development Bank.
The Sponsors, Executive Management and Staff of Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited deeply mourn the loss of Sheikh Saleh and convey their deepest condolences to the family members.
“The purpose of Man, by the commandment of Allah, The Almighty, is to construct, embellish, create and build on this earth. Man is therefore also ordained to create jobs for others. Thus, the wealth bestowed upon us belongs to Allah, The Almighty”, said Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel.