King Salman bin Abdulaziz has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars, following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82.

Dr. Saleh bin Humaid is widely regarded as one of the most respected Islamic scholars in the Muslim world. He has been serving as Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for more than four decades and is well-known for delivering the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira in Arafat.

Alongside his religious duties, he has also been an active member of Saudi Arabia’s Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council) since 1993, even serving as its Speaker during his tenure.

Academic and scholarly background

Born in 1949 in Buraidah, Qassim Province, Sheikh Saleh memorized the Qur’an at a young age and later pursued higher Islamic studies at Umm al-Qura University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh.

Over his career, he has held prominent positions, including Vice President and General President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Chairman of the Shura Council, and Advisor to the Royal Court.

Uniquely, Sheikh Saleh became the first Imam of Masjid al-Haram to hold a doctoral degree at the time of his appointment in 1984.

Contributions to Islamic scholarship

Dr. Saleh has authored numerous books and research works on Islamic jurisprudence, family life, and contemporary issues. Some of his notable works include Raf’ al-Haraj fi al-Shari’ah al-Islamiyyah (Lifting Hardship in Islamic Law), The Happy Family, and Comprehensive Jurisprudence for Contemporary Issues.

In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he received the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam in 2016.

As Grand Mufti, Sheikh Saleh will head the Senior Council of Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research, issuing fatwas and guiding religious discourse within the Kingdom. His role is crucial in shaping religious leadership at a time of both continuity and reform in Saudi Arabia.