Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan as its Grand Mufti, becoming the Kingdom’s new top religious authority.
The appointment was made by a royal decree, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA). He succeeds the late Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who passed away on September 23.
Sheikh Al-Fawzan is a highly respected and experienced scholar. He has been a key member of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research since 1992. His career includes service on several important religious bodies. He has been part of the Supervisory Committee for Preachers during Hajj, the Islamic Fiqh Council, and the Muslim World League.
The new Grand Mufti has a strong academic background in Islamic law. He was born in Al-Qassim in 1935 and attended school in Buraidah.
Sheikh Dr. Ṣāliḥ bin Fawzān Al-Fawzān (may Allah preserve him) has been appointed as the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and General President for Scholarly Research and Fatwa, with the rank of minister.
Born in… pic.twitter.com/OFKMxwAeEs
— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) October 22, 2025Read: Saudi Arabia’s Grand Al-Sheikh Passes Away
He earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) from the College of Shariah in Riyadh. His leadership roles extended to academia, where he served as the director of the Higher Institute of Judiciary.
Sheikh Al-Fawzan is also a well-known author and media figure. He has written multiple books and hosted popular radio programs, including “Nur Ala Al-Darb.”
The appointment was made on the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince is the de facto ruler who has been leading a wide-ranging reform program in the Kingdom.
