Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid as the new Grand Mufti and Head of the Senior Council of Scholars, following the death of the former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh.
Born in 1950 in Buraidah, in the Qassim region, Sheikh bin Humaid later moved to Mecca to complete his secondary education. He went on to study Islamic law at Umm Al-Qura University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1975, his master’s in 1976, and a doctorate in Islamic jurisprudence in 1981, graduating with honors.
His academic career has been closely tied to Umm Al-Qura University, where he rose through the ranks from teaching assistant to associate professor, and later became head of the Islamic Economics Department.
Beyond academia, Sheikh bin Humaid has held numerous prominent positions in the Kingdom. He previously served as Deputy President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, member and later Chairman of the Shura Council, President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, President of the Supreme Judicial Council, and adviser at the Royal Court with ministerial status.
Respected both at home and abroad, he is also known for his scholarly contributions and his role in delivering major religious sermons, including at the annual Hajj gatherings.
As the new Grand Mufti, Sheikh bin Humaid is now the Kingdom’s highest religious authority, tasked with issuing fatwas, guiding the nation’s Islamic institutions, and leading the Council of Senior Scholars at a time of social and religious transformation in Saudi Arabia.
His appointment underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining continuity in religious leadership while preparing for new challenges in jurisprudence, governance, and faith in contemporary society.
