Saudi Arabia Names Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the New Grand Mufti

In a significant development for Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership, the country has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as its new grand mufti, a role that carries immense influence within the Sunni Muslim community and beyond. Sheikh Saleh, a noted scholar at 90 years of age, takes over this esteemed position following the legacy of his predecessor, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to uphold its religious heritage while navigating a rapidly changing world.

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti, the highest religious position in the kingdom. The Saudi Press Agency reported that King Salman made the appointment late Wednesday, following a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sheikh Saleh, who is 90 years old, hails from al-Qassim province and gained prominence through various channels, including his radio program, Noor ala al-Darb (Light the Way), alongside numerous books and television appearances dedicated to discussing Islamic teachings.

Although Sheikh Saleh’s past comments have sparked controversy, particularly in Western media, his leadership is widely respected among many in the Islamic world. Past statements, such as opposing the idea of Sunnis considering Shia Muslims as brothers, have highlighted the complex and often tense religious dynamics within Islam, particularly against the backdrop of regional politics involving Iran. His criticism of Yemen’s Houthi rebels for targeting holy sites within Saudi Arabia also underscores his commitment to protecting the sanctity of Islamic heritage.

In addition to his religious pronouncements, Sheikh Saleh has issued notable fatwas, including a 2016 order against the mobile game “Pokemon Go,” identifying it as a form of gambling. Interestingly, under Crown Prince Mohammed’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in the gaming industry, including holdings in Nintendo and Niantic, the game’s developer.

Sheikh Saleh assumes the grand mufti position following the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, who held the role for 25 years and represented a lineage of religious authority through the al-Sheikh family—a lineage that is deeply rooted in the teachings of Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahhab, whose interpretations of Islam shaped the kingdom’s religious landscape for centuries. As grand mufti, Sheikh Saleh’s insights will be crucial, given Saudi Arabia’s unique status as the home of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, making his pronouncements highly influential within the Sunni Muslim community worldwide.

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