Who is Sheikh Dr. Saleh Al Humaid? The New Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

King Salman bin Abdulaziz has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al Humaid as the new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, after the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh at the age of 82.

Dr. Saleh bin Humaid is one of the most respected Islamic scholars in the Muslim world. He has served as Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for over 40 years and is well-known for delivering the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid Namira in Arafat.

Born in 1949 in Buraidah, Qassim Province, he memorized the Qur’an at a young age and later earned a Ph.D. in Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh from Umm al-Qura University. He became the first Imam of Masjid al-Haram to hold a doctoral degree when he was appointed in 1984.

Throughout his career, Sheikh Saleh has held many important positions, including Chairman of the Shura Council, Advisor to the Royal Court, and President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. He has also been a member of Saudi Arabia’s Majlis al-Shura since 1993.

Dr. Saleh has written many books and research papers on Islamic law, family life, and modern issues. Some of his famous works include Lifting Hardship in Islamic Law, The Happy Family, and Comprehensive Jurisprudence for Contemporary Issues. In 2016, he was awarded the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam.

As Grand Mufti, Sheikh Saleh will lead the Senior Council of Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research. He will oversee fatwas and provide religious guidance in Saudi Arabia, continuing his lifelong work of scholarship and leadership.

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