Appointment Announced by Royal Decree
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the new Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, the highest religious authority in the country. The announcement was made through a royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the recommendation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
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According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Sheikh Al-Fawzan will also assume the positions of Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and head of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta. Both roles carry a ministerial rank, reflecting their national significance. The royal decree was officially announced on October 22, 2025, by the Royal Court in Riyadh.
Successor to a Longstanding Religious Leader
The appointment follows the passing of former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who died on September 23, 2025, at the age of 82. Sheikh Abdulaziz had served as the Grand Mufti since 1999 and was a descendant of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the 18th-century Islamic scholar and founder of the reformist movement known as Wahhabism.
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia’s religious establishment played a central role in shaping religious rulings, issuing fatwas, and guiding the moral and social framework of the Kingdom. His death marked the end of an era for the Al-Sheikh family’s leadership in the office, which had historically maintained a strong influence over religious affairs.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan: A Prominent Scholar
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, aged 90, is among the most respected scholars of Islamic jurisprudence in Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. A leading Salafi scholar, he has earned a reputation for his deep knowledge of Islamic law (Sharia) and his long-standing service in religious education.
Al-Fawzan holds degrees in Islamic studies — including a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD — and has spent decades teaching at several prestigious religious institutions in Riyadh, such as the College of Sharia and the Higher Institute of Judiciary. His academic and religious influence extends far beyond the classroom.
He is best known to the public through his decades-long participation in the popular radio program Noor Ala Al-Darb (Light on the Path), through which he issued fatwas and answered questions on Islamic jurisprudence and daily life. In addition, he has authored numerous books and scholarly works, many of which are studied in Saudi universities and religious institutions across the Arab world.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Sheikh Al-Fawzan signals continuity in the Kingdom’s religious leadership while also reflecting the evolving nature of Saudi Arabia’s social and religious landscape under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ongoing reforms.
Over recent years, the Kingdom has sought to balance modernization efforts — such as expanding women’s participation in the workforce and diversifying the economy — with its deeply rooted religious traditions. The Grand Mufti’s role remains central in maintaining this balance by interpreting Islamic law in accordance with the country’s guiding principles.
Saudi analysts note that Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s long-standing reputation for conservatism, coupled with his scholarly authority, may ensure a smooth transition in leadership within the Council of Senior Scholars, the body responsible for issuing religious rulings (fatwas) and advising the government on Islamic matters.
A Legacy of Religious Guidance
As the new Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Fawzan will oversee the Kingdom’s Ifta system, which issues religious opinions on personal, social, and national matters. His leadership will also influence religious education, mosque affairs, and the interpretation of Sharia law in Saudi courts.
Observers expect him to continue emphasizing adherence to traditional Sunni teachings while supporting the state’s objectives of stability and unity. His scholarly background and long service within the religious establishment make him a trusted figure among senior clerics and the Saudi leadership alike.
Conclusion
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan’s appointment as Grand Mufti marks a defining moment in Saudi Arabia’s religious and institutional continuity. As the Kingdom navigates the challenges of modernization, his leadership is likely to play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between reform and religious tradition — a cornerstone of Saudi governance since its founding.
