Sheikh Saleh Bin Ali Othaim

Biography

Sheikh Saleh bin Ali Al-Othaim, may Allah have mercy on him, is one of the well-known figures in the fields of commercial and charitable work, and those who have left their mark on the commercial map of the Kingdom in the field of grocery trade.

He had a unique and distinguished experience that he wrote with remarkable success, and he was a respected and respected figure in society. His commercial successes culminated in the establishment of the Saleh Ali Al-Othaim Trading Establishment in 1376 AH (1956 AD).

He laid the foundation on which his sons followed, and his son Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Othaim continued the commercial work that his father started in the grocery field by expanding the business through opening other wholesale and retail centers and markets.

His Legacy



His Birth and Upbringing

Sheikh Saleh bin Ali Al-Othaim, may Allah have mercy on him, was born in Khub Al-Buraidi, a village near Buraydah city, in 1348 Hijri (1929 AD), and passed away in 1400 Hijri (1979 AD). He spent his childhood relying on his strong will and self-esteem, sharing with his peers all aspects of ordinary life with all its innocence and challenges. He was known for his love for goodness and spreading it among people, and his brilliance stood out among his peers like the midday sun. He was a role model in his love for society, family, acquaintances, and his dedication to the community.

He assisted his father in overcoming life's burdens and farming. From an early age, he shouldered the responsibilities of adults and became a pillar of support for his father.

From his early years, he was characterized by firmness, patience, strong will, keen insight, and balance. He lived in a righteous and pure educational environment that shaped his behavior and defined his life. Like the eager soul longing for the best and aspiring to reach the heights of success, Saleh Ali Al-Othaim, may Allah have mercy on him, discovered that the effort exerted in farming with his father did not provide the minimum requirements of a decent life (at that time), and he had to seek opportunities beyond his hometown. He moved to Riyadh and worked as a young boy, then opened a small grocery store south of the Grand Mosque near the cemetery. He later relocated the shop to the Al-Batha neighborhood south of San'a, then moved to a larger store north of San'a for wholesale trade.

Inside His Home

He dealt with everyone with exemplary manners, was humble, and possessed all the virtues and noble qualities. He had a pure heart and spoke sincerely. He provided his children with a wealth of knowledge in the field of business, especially in the grocery trade, and instilled in them a love for working in this field due to his close ties to all segments of society. He focused on instilling noble values in the souls of his children, and he played a significant role, after Allah, in the successes achieved by his children after him.

Characteristics and Principles of His Trade

His trade was based on Islamic and ethical principles, the most important of which were:
• Honesty and truthfulness in dealings.
• Documentation
• Low profit and high sales.
• Preparing successors and caring about passing on the experience to his children.
• Encouraging beginners.
• Giving sound advice.
• Cooperation with fellow traders.
• Forward-looking and insightful business vision.


Charitable Work

Charitable and humanitarian work paralleled his commercial activities, as he was generous and benevolent to both acquaintances and strangers, and it was not known about him to turn away someone in need. This characteristic continued to grow through his children's adherence to his father's policy, may Allah have mercy on him, and satisfaction.