The announcement, issued on October 23, comes just weeks after the passing of the revered former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, who held the position since 1999 and was widely regarded as one of the most authoritative Islamic scholars in the world.
The royal decree, signed by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, elevates Sheikh Saleh not only as the Grand Mufti but also as the Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars and the Head of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, with his position being equivalent in rank to a minister. This appointment follows a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the strategic importance of this decision within the kingdom’s religious and political spheres.
Sheikh Saleh, known for his scholarly rigor and deep roots in Islamic jurisprudence, now steps into the shoes of a giant whose death on September 23 at age 84 left a profound void. As the kingdom navigates a complex era of modernization and tradition, the question on everyone’s mind is: how will this new leadership shape the religious discourse and influence the broader socio-political fabric of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world?
The world watches closely as Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan begins his tenure, a role that carries immense responsibility and influence, marking a new chapter in the Kingdom’s spiritual authority.
