RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars. The appointment was made by royal decree and based on a proposal by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The religious scholar will also undertake the role of president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, SPA said. Sheikh Saleh succeeds former Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh who passed away on Sept. 23.

RIYADH: Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan has been appointed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars. The appointment was made…

Saudi Arabia’s status as home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina means grand mufti's pronouncements closely watched.

Saudi Arabia appoints Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan as the new grand mufti amidst past Western criticism of his views.