Royal Decree Announces New Grand Mufti
A royal decree issued from Riyadh has officially appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Hamid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. In addition, he will lead the country’s Council of Senior Scholars, the highest religious authority in the Kingdom.
This appointment follows the death of the former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who served as a leading religious figure for decades. The transition marks a significant moment in the Kingdom’s religious leadership.
Early Life and Religious Career
Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid was born in 1949 in Al Bukayriyah, a city in the central region of Saudi Arabia. He has been serving as an Imam at the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca since 1984, where he has gained recognition for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and Quranic exegesis.
Over the years, Sheikh Saleh has emerged as one of the most respected religious scholars in the Muslim world. His sermons and guidance extend beyond Saudi Arabia, influencing millions of Muslims globally.
Contributions to Islamic Scholarship
Among his most notable roles is delivering the sermon at Mount Arafat during Hajj, a central ritual that carries profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. His sermons emphasize unity within the Muslim community, adherence to Islamic principles, and the importance of moral and ethical conduct.
Sheikh Saleh is also recognized for his scholarly contributions to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and tafsir (Quranic interpretation). His work has been praised for clarity, insight, and relevance to contemporary issues faced by the Muslim Ummah.
Vision for Religious Leadership
Senior scholars in Saudi Arabia have welcomed Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid’s appointment, describing it as a moment that could introduce a “new intellectual dimension” to the Kingdom’s religious institutions. Analysts suggest that under his leadership, religious guidance, fatwas, and educational initiatives may experience further development and refinement.
Observers also note that Sheikh Saleh’s international reputation could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s religious influence globally. His ability to address both traditional Islamic scholarship and contemporary issues positions him as a pivotal figure for guiding Muslims in the modern era.
Global Recognition and Influence
Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid’s guidance has been widely respected across Muslim-majority countries. His sermons are not only broadcast on Saudi media networks but also reach international audiences through online platforms, reflecting the growing global interest in his interpretations of Islamic teachings.
His approach is noted for balancing strict adherence to Islamic law with practical guidance for contemporary life, which many scholars believe will foster a more unified and informed Muslim community.
A New Era for Saudi Religious Institutions
With this appointment, Saudi Arabia signals continuity in its religious leadership while potentially introducing renewed emphasis on scholarly excellence, ethical guidance, and community unity. Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid’s tenure as Grand Mufti is expected to influence both domestic religious policy and the Kingdom’s engagement with the broader Islamic world.
In summary, Sheikh Saleh bin Hamid’s appointment as Grand Mufti marks a significant chapter in Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership. His decades of experience and international recognition position him to guide the Muslim Ummah in both spiritual and practical matters.
