Thu Oct 23 17:35:50 UTC 2025: Summary:
Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan, a 90-year-old ultraconservative scholar, as the new Grand Mufti, the country’s highest religious authority. The decision, made by King Salman based on the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, follows the death of the previous Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, in September. Sheikh Saleh is a well-known figure due to his radio show, books, and television appearances, but has also faced criticism for controversial fatwas, including those concerning Shiites and slavery. This appointment breaks the traditional succession of the al-Sheikh family, who are descendants of Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahhab, the founder of Wahhabism.
News Article:
Saudi Arabia Appoints Ultraconservative Scholar as Grand Mufti
Dubai – October 23, 2025 – Saudi Arabia has named Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan, a 90-year-old prominent, yet ultraconservative scholar, as the country’s new Grand Mufti, the official Saudi Press Agency reported late Wednesday. The appointment, made by King Salman upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, fills the vacancy left by the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh in September, who held the position for 25 years.
Sheikh Saleh, born in 1935, is a familiar voice to many Saudis through his religious radio show, “Light the Way,” numerous publications, and television appearances. However, the scholar is also known for controversial religious rulings that have drawn criticism, particularly from Western media and human rights organizations.
Notably, Sheikh Saleh has been quoted making derogatory statements about Shiite Muslims, referring to them as “brothers of Satan” and casting doubt on their faith. He has also been cited as saying that “slavery is a part of Islam.” A 2016 fatwa attributed to him banned the popular mobile game “Pokémon Go” as a form of gambling.
The appointment of Sheikh Saleh marks a departure from tradition, as the Grand Mufti position has historically been held by members of the al-Sheikh family, descendants of Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahhab, whose ultraconservative teachings of Islam have shaped the kingdom’s religious landscape for decades. This change in leadership raises questions about the future direction of religious authority in Saudi Arabia under the increasingly progressive policies promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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