RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the kingdom’s new grand mufti, the highest religious authority in the country. The royal decree, announced late Wednesday through the Saudi Press Agency, confirmed his selection following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh in September, who had served in the role for more than two decades.
Sheikh Al-Fawzan, now in his nineties, is regarded as one of the most senior scholars within the Council of Senior Scholars. His appointment was made on the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has overseen sweeping reforms in the kingdom since becoming heir to the throne in 2017.
Despite his long-standing influence, Sheikh Al-Fawzan has been a controversial figure. In 2011, he opposed proposals to set a minimum age for marriage, a stance that drew criticism from rights advocates. He has also faced scrutiny for his views on the Shia community.
The decision to appoint him reflects Saudi Arabia’s traditional practice of elevating the most senior and respected cleric to the position of grand mufti. Analysts note that while the kingdom has been undergoing significant social changes, such as allowing women to drive, easing restrictions on dress codes, and opening the country to non-Muslim tourists the religious establishment continues to play a symbolic role in governance.
Umar Karim, a Saudi policy expert at the University of Birmingham, observed that the move aligns with the kingdom’s established religious policy.
“The appointment reflects continuity within the clerical hierarchy, ensuring that the most senior scholar assumes the role,” he said.
The appointment underscores the delicate balance Saudi Arabia maintains between its conservative religious traditions and the modernization drive led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the influence of clerics has diminished in recent years, the role of grand mufti remains a significant symbol of religious authority in the kingdom.