Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Advisor at the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, stated that Imam Al-Bukhari charted a unique methodology in the field of hadith scholarship, characterized by meticulous investigation, verification, and scrutiny, enabling him to present his Sahih collection to the Muslim Ummah. He stressed that no matter how hard detractors may try to undermine it or cast doubt on its authenticity, they will never attain their aim.

He made these remarks during his address at the opening session of the International Conference, “Al-Jami’ al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam al-Bukhari: The Book of an Ummah,” held on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The conference is organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Samarkand, in partnership with the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the Imam Al-Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, under the patronage of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid added that the great imam recognized at an early stage the significance of the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He devoted himself diligently until he produced the most authentic book after the Holy Quran, thereby demonstrating that success is neither accidental nor a matter of chance but, after the grace of Allah, the result of awareness, perseverance, and unwavering determination.

He called for following Imam Al-Bukhari’s model in education and upbringing to nurture new generations capable of confronting the challenges of today’s world. Moreover, he noted that the esteemed imam is among the leading figures of the Islamic world whose knowledge left a lasting impact and whose efforts were dedicated to preserving, safeguarding, and promoting the Prophet’s Sunnah.

The Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque also commended Uzbekistan’s efforts, under the leadership of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in reviving, preserving, studying, and widely promoting Islamic heritage. He noted that this is clearly reflected in the establishment of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the Imam Al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, affirming Uzbekistan’s pride in its identity and its commitment to drawing upon the values of Islamic civilization not merely as a source of pride, but as a repository of ever-renewing knowledge and scholarship.

He further affirmed that the objectives of the conference are aligned with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commendable efforts in defending and promoting the Holy Quran, the Prophet’s Sunnah, and the eminent figures of Islam, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He concluded his address by praising ICESCO’s efforts in this regard.