King Salman bin Abdulaziz has officially appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars.
The appointment follows the passing of the former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who died on Tuesday at the age of 82 after serving in the position for more than 25 years.
Who is Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid?
Dr. Al Humaid is one of the most respected Islamic scholars in the Muslim world. His distinguished career includes:
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Serving as Senior Imam and Khateeb of Masjid Al Haram in Makkah for over 40 years.
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Delivering the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira in Arafat, attended by millions of pilgrims.
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Longstanding membership in the Majlis Al Shura (Consultative Council) since 1993, where he also served as Speaker.
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Current President of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah.
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Membership in the Arabic Language Academy.
In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Dr. Al Humaid received the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 2016.
Significance of the Appointment
The role of the Grand Mufti is one of the most influential religious positions in Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world. As the head of the Senior Council of Scholars, the Grand Mufti plays a central role in issuing fatwas (religious rulings), guiding Islamic scholarship, and providing religious advice to the government.
Dr. Al Humaid’s appointment is seen as a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s tradition of entrusting the role to highly respected scholars with decades of religious service and leadership.
Legacy of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh
The late Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, who served as Grand Mufti since 1999, was known for his deep scholarship and influential role in shaping Islamic discourse in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His passing marks the end of a significant era, and Dr. Al Humaid’s appointment begins a new chapter in the Kingdom’s religious leadership.
