RIYADH – Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, long-serving Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah (Masjid al-Haram), has been appointed as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and head of the Senior Council of Scholars, following the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh.
The Royal Court announced that Sheikh Dr. Saleh will now lead the Senior Council of Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research, oversee the issuance of fatwas, and guide the Kingdom’s religious discourse.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1949 in Buraidah, Qassim Province, Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid grew up in a family of scholars. He memorized the Qur’an at a young age and pursued Islamic education in Makkah. He holds a Bachelor’s in Sharia from Umm al-Qura University, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh.
Career and Contributions
- Imam of Masjid al-Haram since 1984, regularly delivering the Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira in Arafat.
- Served as President of the Islamic Fiqh Academy (2007), and Saudi Arabia’s representative to it.
- Held top positions including Chairman of the Shura Council, Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, and Advisor to the Royal Court at ministerial rank.
- First Imam of the Grand Mosque to hold a doctoral degree at the time of appointment.
- Academic career at Umm al-Qura University, where he taught Fiqh and later became Dean of the Faculty of Sharia.
Scholarly Works
Sheikh Saleh has authored several influential works on Islamic law, society, and contemporary issues, including:
- Raf’ al-Haraj fi al-Shari’ah al-Islamiyyah (Lifting Hardship in Islamic Law)
- Al-Fiqh al-Kamil lil-Nawazil (Comprehensive Jurisprudence for Contemporary Issues)
- Khutab al-Masjid al-Haram (Sermons of the Grand Mosque)
- Al-Usra al-Saeeda (The Happy Family)
Recognition
In 2016, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid received the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam for his leadership in Islamic jurisprudence, wisdom in contemporary issues, and service to the Muslim world.
This appointment marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership, with Sheikh Saleh bringing decades of scholarly depth, judicial experience, and international recognition to the role of Grand Mufti.
