In a move underscoring continued stability and reverence at Islam’s most sacred sites, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has graciously given his approval for the renewal of appointments of the distinguished Imams and Khateebs serving at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
This decision, which comes at a time of renewed focus on spiritual guidance and religious leadership in the Islamic world, was confirmed through an official statement by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, led by Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais. According to the statement, the contract extensions were made with the full blessing of the Saudi monarch, reflecting both his commitment to religious continuity and his trust in the scholarly and spiritual leadership currently guiding the faithful at the two mosques.
The Imams and Khateebs, whose responsibilities include leading daily prayers, delivering Friday sermons, and providing spiritual direction to millions of Muslims from around the world, are among the most respected clerics in the Islamic world. Their sermons are not only broadcast globally but also closely followed by scholars and laypeople alike for their depth of knowledge, spiritual insight, and alignment with moderate Islamic values.
The renewal of their appointments ensures that the Two Holy Mosques will continue to benefit from the steady hands and deep scholarship of their current religious leadership, especially at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seeing unprecedented numbers of worshippers, pilgrims, and visitors. The recent Hajj season, which concluded with over 1.8 million pilgrims from across the globe, reaffirmed the importance of effective religious administration at these sacred sites.
While the names of those whose contracts have been renewed were not specified in the royal announcement, prominent scholars currently serving in these roles include Sheikh Dr. Saud Al-Shuraim, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, Sheikh Dr. Bandar Baleelah, and others, who have long been pillars of the spiritual and religious life at the Haramain.
This development is also being viewed by Islamic scholars and observers as a reaffirmation of the Kingdom’s dedication to maintaining religious integrity, preserving tradition, and strengthening the moderate voice of Islam at its most revered platforms. It comes as part of a broader religious vision being championed by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who continue to steer the country’s religious and administrative institutions toward reform while preserving their core Islamic identity.
For many Nigerian Muslims, particularly those who have performed Hajj or Umrah, these Imams are widely revered figures whose voices and teachings continue to resonate back home, through satellite broadcasts, online platforms, and local mosque gatherings. The royal decision to retain them, therefore, is not just a Saudi matter but one of global significance, especially within the West African Muslim community.
As the Two Holy Mosques prepare for the influx of worshippers during the upcoming Umrah season, the presence of experienced and spiritually grounded Imams and Khateebs will no doubt help ensure a serene, spiritually fulfilling experience for all who enter the precincts of Makkah and Madinah in search of divine mercy and guidance.
