US EditionSaudi Arabia appoints Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as kingdom’s new grand mufti
Appointed at age 90, Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan succeeds a grand mufti who served 25 years and is a leading Sunni Islamic cleric.
- King Salman issued a royal decree naming Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan grand mufti on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recommendation, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.
- Following the vacancy created by the former mufti's September death, Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan was appointed after King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's recommendation.
- The new grand mufti built a public profile through the Noor ala al-Darb radio show, books and television appearances, with his fatwas shared on social media in a top Sunni Islamic clerical role.
- He has drawn criticism for statements linking slavery and jihad and for issuing a Pokémon Go ban, with Human Rights Watch and Western media documenting his controversial remarks.
- The appointment ties to the al-Sheikh family's historical role and Wahhabist influence, reinforcing established authority as Saudi social reforms under King Salman allow women to drive and open movie theaters.
42 Articles
42 Articles
Saudi Arabia names new grand mufti
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has appointed a conservative cleric in his nineties as its top religious leader, state media said, sticking with tradition even as rapid social changes sweep through the previously cloistered kingdom. Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan was named the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia by royal decree, the official SPA news agency reported late on Wednesday. Fawzan, who has made controversial comments on child marriage an…
Saudi Arabia names conservative grand mufti despite reforms
Saudi Arabia has appointed a conservative cleric in his nineties as its top religious leader, state media said, sticking with tradition even as rapid social changes upend the previously cloistered kingdom. Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan was named the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia by royal decree, the official SPA news agency reported late on Wednesday. Fawzan, who has made controversial comments on child marriage and minority Shia …
Saudi Arabia's New Grand Mufti Is 90, And His Views Are Stirring Debate
Saudi Arabia has appointed a conservative cleric in his nineties as its top religious leader, state media said, sticking with tradition even as rapid social changes upend the previously cloistered...
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