Today, His Eminence Shaykh Dr Ṣāliḥ bin Fawzān Al-Fawzān (may Allah preserve him) has been appointed Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and President of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Fatwa, holding ministerial rank. This appointment came via royal decree from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince His Royal Highbin Salman (may Allah preserve them).
Born in Ash-Shamāsiyyah, a town in the Al-Qassim region, in 1354 AH (1935 CE), Shaykh Al-Fawzān grew up amidst a love for the Noble Qur’an and learning. His early education began locally, followed by studies at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, where he earned Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). His Master’s thesis examined inheritance laws, while his PhD. dissertation explored rulings on permissible and forbidden foods in Islamic law.
Shaykh Al-Fawzān benefited from esteemed scholars like Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid, Shaykh Ibrahim bin Ubayd in Buraydah, and later Shaykh Abdulaziz bin Baz in Riyadh. Post-graduation, he embarked on a lifelong teaching journey, serving at the Institute of Knowledge in Riyadh, the College of Sharia, and the College of Usul al-Deen, eventually becoming Director of the Higher Institute of Judiciary. His tenure nurtured generations of judges, scholars, and students across the Kingdom.
Alongside academia, Shaykh Al-Fawzān served decades as Imam and Khateeb at Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Mosque, Riyadh, teaching creed, jurisprudence, inheritance, and Arabic studies. His voice resonated globally through the enduring Saudi radio program “Noor ala al-Darb”, earning respect for his calm, evidence-based explanations.
Shaykh Al-Fawzān embodies the early scholars’ blend of knowledge, humility, and balance. Works like “Al-Irshad ila Saheeh al-I’tiqad”, “Al-Bayan li-Akhṭa’ Ba’ḍ al-Kuttab”, and “Al-Khuṭab al-Minbariyyah” (four volumes) are trusted references. He contributed to shaping Islamic studies curricula, ensuring sound, evidence-based learning for future generations.
As Grand Mufti, Shaykh Al-Fawzān assumes Saudi Arabia’s highest religious authority, guiding scholarly research, fatwa issuance, and chairing the Council of Senior Scholars A life of teaching, clarity, and service culminates in this esteemed honour – a trust he carries humbly. He epitomizes peace, humility, justice, and truth. May Allah preserve Shaykh Dr Ṣāliḥ Al-Fawzān, bless his efforts, and make his knowledge a beacon for humanity, and make this appointment to help in bringing peace, justice, and prosperity to the world.
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