Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan Appointed as New Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has officially appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the new Grand Mufti, marking a significant transition in the Kingdom’s religious leadership. The royal decree was issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following the passing of former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh in September 2025.

A New Chapter in Saudi Religious Leadership

The appointment of Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan represents both continuity and change within the Saudi religious establishment. Known for his extensive scholarship and conservative jurisprudence, Sheikh Al-Fawzan has long been a prominent figure in Islamic academia. His selection underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the credibility and influence of its religious institutions while maintaining their traditional foundations.

This move also reflects the Saudi leadership’s emphasis on experienced and respected scholars to guide the nation’s religious discourse amid evolving global challenges.

Background and Early Life

Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan was born in 1935 in Al-Qassim, one of Saudi Arabia’s well-known centers of Islamic learning. His early education was rooted in traditional religious studies, where he demonstrated exceptional proficiency in Islamic law and theology.

He later obtained advanced degrees in Islamic jurisprudence and went on to teach at major religious institutions. His scholarly career has been marked by an emphasis on classical Islamic thought, strict adherence to Sharia, and deep engagement with the works of earlier jurists.

Longstanding Service to Islamic Scholarship

Before his appointment as Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Fawzan served as a key member of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta—two of Saudi Arabia’s most influential religious bodies. Through these positions, he has issued numerous fatwas, contributed to policy discussions, and guided students in the interpretation of Islamic law.

His works are widely cited across the Muslim world, especially in fields related to Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), theology (aqeedah), and ethics. Scholars and students alike recognize him as a leading authority in the Hanbali school of thought, one of the four major Sunni legal traditions.

Expanded Responsibilities and New Role

Under the royal decree, Sheikh Al-Fawzan will not only assume the title of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, but will also serve as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, holding the rank of a minister.

These positions collectively place him at the helm of Saudi Arabia’s religious decision-making apparatus, granting him a central role in guiding national and international Islamic discourse.

His leadership comes at a time when the Kingdom continues to balance its religious heritage with its Vision 2030 modernization agenda. Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s deep-rooted scholarship and long-standing institutional experience are expected to provide both stability and moral clarity in this transitional era.