Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the highest religious authority in the country. The appointment was made by royal order from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, based on a recommendation from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, issued on 22 October 2025, corresponding to 30 Rabiʿ al-Thani 1447 AH.
Sheikh Al-Fawzan becomes the fourth Grand Mufti since the position was established in 1953. The role carries life tenure with no fixed term limit. He succeeds Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, who died on 23 September 2025 after serving in the position for about a quarter of a century.
Alongside the role of Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Fawzan currently holds the position of Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and General President of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, a fatwa authority with ministerial rank.
Why it matters
The Grand Mufti serves as the Kingdom's leading reference for religious rulings and guidance, and the appointment fills the country's most senior religious office following the passing of the previous Grand Mufti.
This is an internal state and royal decree process. It does not involve any public fees, service charges, or user steps, and is not linked to citizen or resident e-services. There are no procedural changes, fees, or validity periods for residents, visitors, or businesses tied to this appointment.
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