RIYADH: In a significant move for the Kingdom’s religious leadership, King Salman bin Abdulaziz has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia.
The decision follows the passing of the long-serving Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, who died earlier this week at the age of 82.
Dr. Al Humaid, a highly esteemed Islamic scholar with a distinguished record in both religious and governmental spheres, steps into the role during a critical period of continuity and religious guidance in the Kingdom.
Born in 1949 in Buraidah, in the central Qassim Province, Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid has long been a respected figure in the Islamic world. He began his religious education early, memorizing the Qur’an as a child and later earning advanced degrees in Islamic jurisprudence. He received his doctorate in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh from Umm al-Qura University in Makkah.
Uniquely, Sheikh Saleh was the first Imam of Masjid al-Haram to hold a Ph.D. at the time of his appointment in 1984 setting a precedent for academically trained religious leadership at Islam’s holiest site.
Sheikh Al Humaid has served as an Imam and Khateeb (preacher) at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for more than 40 years. His role in leading prayers and delivering sermons—particularly the annual Hajj Khutbah at Masjid Namira in Arafat has made him a familiar and influential voice for millions of Muslims globally.
Beyond his role in the mosque, Sheikh Saleh has held top administrative positions related to the Two Holy Mosques, including Vice President and later General President for their Affairs.
In addition to his religious responsibilities, Sheikh Saleh has played a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s consultative and legislative processes. He has been a member of the Shura Council (Majlis al-Shura) since 1993 and served as its Speaker a rare dual role that reflects his standing as both a scholar and a statesman.
He has also served as an Advisor to the Royal Court, offering guidance on religious and national matters.
Dr. Al Humaid has written extensively on Islamic jurisprudence, family matters, and modern challenges facing Muslims. His major works include:
Raf’ al-Haraj fi al-Shari’ah al-Islamiyyah (Lifting Hardship in Islamic Law)
In 2016, he was awarded the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Islamic world.
As Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid now leads the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta. These bodies are responsible for issuing fatwas (religious rulings) and guiding the Kingdom’s religious discourse and education.
His appointment marks a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s tradition of scholarly religious leadership—now paired with deeper academic grounding and decades of institutional experience.
This leadership transition comes at a time of evolving religious and social reforms in Saudi Arabia, positioning Sheikh Al Humaid as a key figure in shaping the religious direction of the Kingdom and its engagement with contemporary global issues.
