RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ruler has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the country’s new Grand Mufti, following a recommendation from the Crown Prince.
The appointment was confirmed through a royal decree, as reported by Arab media.
According to the decree, Sheikh Dr. Saleh will also serve as the Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars and head the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta.
The appointment follows the passing of Saudi Arabia’s former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, on 23 September 2025. Sheikh Abdulaziz had served as Grand Mufti since 1999 and was widely respected as a leading Islamic scholar.
During his tenure, he issued important religious rulings and contributed to the interpretation of Sharia, as well as legal and social matters.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh Al-Fawzan, a prominent religious scholar, now assumes the kingdom’s highest religious office, continuing the legacy of guiding Islamic jurisprudence and religious affairs in Saudi Arabia.
