What's happened
Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh. The 90-year-old, known for conservative views and controversial statements, was appointed by King Salman on the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The move maintains traditional religious hierarchy amid social reforms.
What's behind the headline?
The appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan underscores Saudi Arabia's continued reliance on conservative religious authority despite social liberalization. His long-standing reputation for ultraconservative views signals that the kingdom's religious establishment remains anchored in traditional Wahhabi principles, even as the state pursues economic and social reforms. This continuity suggests that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aims to balance modernization with the preservation of religious legitimacy, preventing potential unrest from conservative factions. The choice of a 90-year-old scholar indicates a preference for stability and tradition over reform within the religious hierarchy, which could influence future policy directions and social dynamics in Saudi Arabia.
What the papers say
The New Arab, Al Jazeera, AP News, and The Independent all report on Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan's appointment, highlighting his conservative reputation and controversial statements. While The New Arab emphasizes the appointment's continuity within Saudi religious tradition, Al Jazeera provides background on his career and past pronouncements, including criticism of Shia Muslims and Yemen's Houthi rebels. AP News and The Independent detail his early life, education, and previous controversial fatwas, such as his comments on slavery and jihad. Despite slight variations in focus, all sources agree on his conservative stance and the significance of his appointment in the context of Saudi social and religious stability.
How we got here
The appointment follows the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh in September. Sheikh Saleh, born in 1935 in Al-Qassim, gained prominence through radio, books, and TV. His conservative views include opposition to minimum marriage age and anti-Shia statements. Crown Prince Mohammed has led reforms reducing religious police power and expanding social freedoms, but the religious hierarchy remains rooted in traditional conservatism.
Go deeper
Common question
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Who Is Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan and What Does His Appointment Mean for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has recently appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti, a move that signals significant religious and political shifts within the kingdom. This appointment raises questions about Saudi's evolving religious landscape, the influence of traditionalist views, and what this means for the country's future. Below, we explore who Sheikh Saleh is, the implications of his appointment, and the broader context of religious change in Saudi Arabia.
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Who Is Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan and Why Was He Appointed as Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti?
Saudi Arabia has recently appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti, a move that signals significant shifts in the kingdom's religious and political landscape. Many are asking: Who is this controversial figure? What does his appointment mean for Saudi policy and society? In this page, we explore his background, the implications of his new role, and the broader context of religious influence in Saudi Arabia today.
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