Saudi Arabia names new Grand Mufti - a brief overview, assalamu alaykum
Assalamu alaykum. Saudi Arabia has named a new Grand Mufti by royal decree.
Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan, now 90, was appointed on the order of King Salman after a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to official Saudi media. He will also lead the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, the body that issues Islamic legal opinions.
Born in 1935, Sheikh Saleh began studying the Qur’an with a local imam and later became well known for his talks on the radio show Noor ala Al Darb (Light the Way). He has authored several books and appears on television. He has served on the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research since 1992 and is a member of the Council of Senior Scholars. He is generally seen as holding very conservative views.
Members of his family have previously held the Grand Mufti post; they trace their lineage to Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahhab, the 18th-century theologian whose teachings have long influenced Saudi religious life.
The Grand Mufti is among the most prominent Sunni Islamic scholars globally. As the custodian of Islam’s two holy cities, Saudi rulings and guidance are closely followed by Muslims worldwide, especially on matters related to pilgrimage and major religious questions.
Sheikh Saleh succeeds Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who passed away on September 23 after 25 years in the role.
A few related notes: under King Salman the country has seen notable social and economic reforms aimed at modernising and diversifying the economy away from oil, including changes to women’s rights and entertainment options. Also, for context, the Zayed Sustainability Prize and other regional initiatives continue to highlight sustainability and youth engagement in the Gulf.
May Allah grant the new Grand Mufti wisdom and benefit the Muslim community. Wa alaikum assalam.
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