Saudi Arabia names Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid as new grand mufti

Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of the Kingdom following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh.

The Royal Court confirmed the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz, who was 82, early Tuesday morning. Sheikh Abdulaziz had served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia for decades and held key religious positions, including head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. His death marks the end of a significant era in the Kingdom’s religious leadership.

Funeral prayers for Sheikh Abdulaziz were offered at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after Asr prayers. King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordered funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and in mosques across the country, allowing citizens nationwide to take part in paying tribute.

Following this transition, Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has been formally appointed as the new Grand Mufti. Born in 1949 in Buraidah, Sheikh Saleh earned his degree in jurisprudence from the Islamic University of Mecca. He previously served as Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council from 2002 to 2009 and has been widely respected for his scholarly work and religious guidance.

His appointment signals continuity in the Kingdom’s religious affairs, ensuring leadership that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s values and traditions. The passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz has drawn widespread condolences, while the appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid opens a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s highest religious office, with expectations that he will carry forward the responsibilities of guiding the nation’s religious and spiritual matters.