In a significant development within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership structure, the Royal Court has announced the appointment of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, as the new Grand Mufti of the Kingdom. The official announcement was made on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, following the death of the former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday, September 23.
Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, a seasoned jurist and scholar born in 1949 in Al-Bukayriyah, is no stranger to the Kingdom’s religious landscape. He brings to the office decades of experience and deep scholarly expertise in Islamic jurisprudence.
His longstanding service as an Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, dating back to 1984, has earned him wide respect both within Saudi Arabia and across the Muslim world. Notably, he has also led numerous Hajj sermons from the revered Masjid Namirah in Arafat, particularly during the annual pilgrimage seasons.
The newly appointed Grand Mufti holds a doctorate (PhD) in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh from Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah — an institution known for producing leading Islamic scholars. He also obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the same university, specialising in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence.
This appointment signals continuity in the Kingdom’s religious tradition, ensuring that the highest office in Saudi Arabia’s Islamic hierarchy remains in the hands of a well-grounded scholar with both academic depth and practical leadership. Sheikh bin Humaid’s elevation is expected to further strengthen the Council of Senior Scholars, which serves as the Kingdom’s top religious authority and plays a critical advisory role in both theological and social matters.
The Royal Court noted that the selection of Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid aligns with the Kingdom’s established protocols for appointing senior religious figures, particularly in times of transition.
The move has been received with commendations from various scholars and religious institutions across the Muslim world, given Sheikh bin Humaid’s reputation for moderation, scholarly excellence, and his long-standing role as a unifying figure in Islamic discourse.
As the new Grand Mufti assumes his duties, the Kingdom looks toward a continued commitment to religious scholarship rooted in Islamic tradition, while also navigating contemporary issues affecting the global Muslim community.
