Saudi Arabia appoints Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan as new Grand Mufti
10/23/2025 3:14:00 PM
Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah al-Fawzan as the new Grand Mufti of the Kingdom.
The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Under the royal decree, Sheikh al-Fawzan will also serve as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, with the rank of minister.
The newly appointed Grand Mufti holds a university degree in Sharia Law, a master’s degree with a thesis on “The Art of Inheritance,” and a doctoral dissertation on permissible and prohibited foods, based on evidence from Islamic law.
Sheikh al-Fawzan’s career in academia spans several decades, according to an Al Arabiya report. He first taught at the Scientific Institute in Riyadh for two years before moving to teach at the College of Sharia and later at the College of Fundamentals of Religion. He also served as director of the Higher Institute of the Judiciary, returning to teach there after completing his term.
Beyond his academic contributions, Sheikh al-Fawzan is known for his lectures, writings, and continued participation in key religious bodies, including the Council of Senior Scholars and the Fiqh Council in Mecca. He also oversees Islamic awareness programs for preachers during the Hajj season.
The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Under the royal decree, Sheikh al-Fawzan will also serve as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, with the rank of minister.
The newly appointed Grand Mufti holds a university degree in Sharia Law, a master’s degree with a thesis on “The Art of Inheritance,” and a doctoral dissertation on permissible and prohibited foods, based on evidence from Islamic law.
Sheikh al-Fawzan’s career in academia spans several decades, according to an Al Arabiya report. He first taught at the Scientific Institute in Riyadh for two years before moving to teach at the College of Sharia and later at the College of Fundamentals of Religion. He also served as director of the Higher Institute of the Judiciary, returning to teach there after completing his term.
Beyond his academic contributions, Sheikh al-Fawzan is known for his lectures, writings, and continued participation in key religious bodies, including the Council of Senior Scholars and the Fiqh Council in Mecca. He also oversees Islamic awareness programs for preachers during the Hajj season.