Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Role and History of the Grand Mufti in Saudi Arabia
- Qualifications and Characteristics Required for the Grand Mufti
- Appointment of Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan as Grand Mufti (2025)
- Scholarly Background and Academic Contributions
- Major Books and Fatwa Collections
- Jurisprudential (Fiqh) and Theological (Aqidah) Orientation
- Methodology of Fatwa and Religious Guidance
- Influence on Saudi and Global Islamic Thought
- Conclusion
1. Introduction: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Religious Authority
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia is the highest religious authority in the Kingdom, guiding both state and society through Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and theology (aqidah). The position carries not only national weight but global religious influence, as Saudi Arabia is home to Makkah and Madinah, the two holiest sites in Islam.
In October 2025, Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdulaziz Al-Fawzan was appointed as the new Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, succeeding the late Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh. His appointment represents a significant moment in the country’s religious and intellectual landscape.
2. The Office of the Grand Mufti: Evolution and Significance
The title “Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” (Mufti ‘Aam al-Mamlakah al-‘Arabiyyah al-Sa‘udiyyah) was first institutionalized in 1953, with Sheikh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al al-Sheikh as its inaugural holder.
Over time, the role evolved alongside the Saudi state:
- 1969: Temporarily abolished during administrative reforms.
- 1993: Reinstated by royal decree, reaffirming its importance.
The Grand Mufti:
- Chairs the Council of Senior Scholars (Majlis Kibar al-Ulama)
- Leads the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta (Al-Lajnah al-Da’imah lil-Buhuth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Ifta)
These institutions issue official fatwas and interpret Islamic law (Shari‘ah) in matters affecting public life, education, and governance.
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3. Qualifications and Characteristics Required for the Grand Mufti
The position of Grand Mufti demands profound knowledge, piety, and wisdom.
Key qualifications include:
- Mastery of Qur’an, Hadith, and Fiqh principles
- Strong background in Hanbali jurisprudence (Saudi Arabia’s official legal school)
- Personal integrity and moral character
- Awareness of modern issues and global Muslim challenges
- Communication skills to guide scholars and the public alike
The Grand Mufti’s fatwas often shape not just religious life, but also social and legal reforms in Saudi Arabia.
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4. Appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan as Grand Mufti (2025)
- Name: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdulaziz Al-Fawzan
- Birth: 1935, Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia
- Appointment: 22 October 2025 (by Royal Decree)
- Predecessor: Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh
- Position: Head of the Council of Senior Scholars and President of the Permanent Committee for Ifta
Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s appointment marks a historic transition — he is not from the Al al-Sheikh lineage, making this a diversification of religious authority in the Kingdom. His deep scholarly roots in Hanbali jurisprudence ensure continuity with Saudi Arabia’s long-standing theological tradition.
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5. Scholarly Background and Academic Career
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan is renowned as a Hanbali jurist, theologian, and educator.
His academic career includes:
- Lecturer and professor in Islamic law and creed at various Saudi universities
- Member of Council of Senior Scholars for several decades
- Author of dozens of authoritative books and treatises
Educational Achievements
- Master’s Thesis: “Al-Tahqeeqa al-Mardiyyah fi al-Mabahith al-Fardiyyah” (on inheritance law)
- Doctoral Dissertation: “Ahkam al-At‘imah wal-Sayd” (Rulings on Food and Hunting)
These works illustrate his mastery of both classical jurisprudence and applied Shari‘ah research.
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6. Major Works and Publications
Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s writings are foundational texts in contemporary Saudi religious scholarship.
A. Fatwa and Legal Collections
- Al-Majmu‘ al-‘Ilmiyyah – 13 volumes of fatwas and essays
- Majmu‘ al-Fatawa wa al-Rasa’il – collected religious opinions
B. Creed (‘Aqidah)
- Kitab al-Tawheed
- Al-Irshad ila Sahih al-I‘tiqad (Guide to the Correct Creed)
- Sharh al-‘Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah – commentary on Ibn Taymiyyah’s creed
C. Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
- Fiqh al-‘Ibadat wa al-Mu‘amalat
- Al-Fatawa al-‘Amaliyyah – practical fatwas
D. Salafi Methodology
- Manhaj al-Salaf al-Salih
- Al-Manhaj al-‘Ilmi wal-Dhawabit
E. Global Reach
His works have been translated into English, Urdu, Indonesian, and other languages. Titles like “Guide to Sound Creed” and “Four Essays on the Obligation of Veiling” are studied worldwide.
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7. Fiqhi (Jurisprudential) Orientation: The Hanbali Tradition
Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan adheres to the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence, established by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 241 AH).
Key features of his legal reasoning include:
- Reliance on Qur’an and authentic Hadith
- Use of consensus (ijma‘) and cautious analogy (qiyas)
- Avoidance of speculative reasoning or unsupported innovations
He is known for issuing clear, evidence-based fatwas, focusing on worship, family law, finance, and public ethics.
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8. Theological (Aqidah) Orientation: The Salafi-Athari Creed
Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s theology aligns with Salafi / Athari principles, emphasizing pure monotheism (Tawheed) and adherence to the understanding of the Salaf (early generations).
His creed stresses:
- Affirming Allah’s attributes without distortion or allegory
- Classifying monotheism into Tawheed al-Rububiyyah, al-Uluhiyyah, and al-Asma’ wa al-Sifat
- Rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and Bid‘ah (innovation)
- Following Prophetic Sunnah as the only legitimate source of guidance
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9. Fatwa Methodology and Influence on Modern Issues
Sheikh Al-Fawzan’s fatwas follow a methodical, text-based approach:
- Always rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah
- Consistent with early scholarly consensus
- Balanced, avoiding both extremism and liberal reinterpretation
His rulings cover modern-day challenges: finance, technology, social conduct, modesty, and media ethics.
His influence extends beyond Saudi Arabia to the Gulf, South Asia, and Western Muslim communities, where his works are taught in Islamic institutes.
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10. Conclusion: A New Era of Scholarly Leadership in Saudi Arabia
The appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan as Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (2025) signifies both continuity and reform.
His scholarship preserves the Hanbali-Salafi tradition, while his independent authority — outside the Al al-Sheikh family — represents an expansion of scholarly leadership within the Kingdom.
Through his books, lectures, and fatwas, Sheikh Al-Fawzan continues to influence Islamic law, theology, and public ethics — serving as a bridge between tradition and modern challenges.
About the Author
Written by Dr. Rizwan Ali, researcher, writer, and analyst specializing in Islamic thought and Middle Eastern religious institutions.
📍 For more Islamic and academic analyses, visit: www.DrRizwanAli.com