Saudi Arabia Appoints Ultraconservative Sheikh saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as New Grand Mufti
Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin fawzan al-Fawzan,a prominent and deeply conservative Islamic scholar,as its new Grand Mufti. This makes him the kingdom’s highest religious authority.The decision, announced late Wednesday, October 22, 2025, came directly from King Salman, following a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This appointment signals a continuation of conventional religious influence within the Kingdom, even as it undergoes meaningful social and economic reforms. Let’s delve into who Sheikh Saleh is and what his appointment means.
Who is Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan?
Born in Saudi Arabia’s al-Qassim province around September 28, 1935, Sheikh Saleh’s journey to becoming a leading religious figure began early. He memorized the Quran after his father’s passing, studying with a local imam.
Throughout his career, he’s become a well-known voice through several avenues:
* “Noor ala al-Darb” (Light the Way): A long-running and influential radio program.
* Extensive Writings: He’s authored numerous books on Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
* Television Appearances: Regularly featured on Saudi state television.
* Social Media: His fatwas (religious edicts) are widely circulated online.
Sheikh Saleh’s scholarship is rooted in the teachings of Mohammed Ibn abdul-Wahhab, the 18th-century scholar whose ultraconservative interpretation of Islam – often referred to as Wahhabism – has profoundly shaped Saudi Arabia.
Controversial Statements and Past Criticisms
Sheikh Saleh’s conservative views have drawn criticism, particularly from Western media and human rights organizations.here are some examples:
* Views on Shia Muslims: In 2017, Human Rights Watch reported Sheikh Saleh referred to Shia Muslims as “brothers of Satan” and expressed disbelief in their faith. These statements reflect broader political tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
* Support for Jihad and Slavery: A 2003 quote attributed to him stated that “slavery is a part of Islam” and linked it to jihad.
* ban on Pokémon Go: In 2016, he issued a fatwa prohibiting the mobile game “Pokémon Go,” deeming it a form of gambling. This is particularly noteworthy given Saudi Arabia’s current significant investment in Nintendo and Niantic, the game’s developer.
It’s significant to note that such strong rhetoric regarding Shia Muslims is not uncommon among Saudi religious leaders, especially amidst regional conflicts.
A Legacy Continues
Sheikh Saleh succeeds Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, who served as Grand Mufti for 25 years. The al-Sheikh family, descendants of Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahhab, has historically held this influential position.
This lineage underscores the enduring importance of wahhabist teachings in Saudi Arabia. The 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran further solidified the Kingdom’s conservative path, and the al-Sheikh family has been central to maintaining that direction.
What Dose This Appointment Mean for Saudi Arabia?
The appointment of Sheikh Saleh signals a commitment to upholding traditional religious values within the Kingdom. while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spearheaded social and economic reforms, the role of religion remains central to Saudi identity.
you can expect Sheikh Saleh to likely reinforce conservative interpretations of Islam. This could influence social policies and religious discourse within the country.
However, it’s also crucial to remember that Saudi Arabia is a complex nation undergoing rapid change. Balancing tradition with modernization will continue to be a key challenge for the Kingdom in the years to come.
Published - October 23, 2025 11:05 pm IST
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