Sheikh Saleh, born in Saudi Arabia’s al-Qassim province in 1935, is a well-known scholar who has published numerous books and reached the faithful through his long-running radio show, “Noor ala al-Darb” (“Light the Way”), and television appearances. His religious edicts (fatwas) are widely shared on social media.
The new Grand Mufti has historically been criticized for his staunchly conservative pronouncements.
In 2017, Human Rights Watch reported that when asked if Sunnis should view Shiite Muslims as “brothers,” Sheikh Saleh responded, “They are brothers of Satan,” and questioned their faith. Such anti-Shiite rhetoric is common among Saudi clerics, particularly amid tensions with Iran.
In 2003, he was quoted as saying, “Slavery is a part of Islam. Slavery is part of jihad, and jihad will remain as long as there is Islam.”
In 2016, a fatwa was attributed to him banning the mobile game “Pokémon Go,” deeming it a form of gambling. This is notably ironic as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s government now holds significant stakes in Nintendo and Niantic (the game’s maker).
Sheikh Saleh succeeds Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, who passed away in September after holding the position for a quarter century. Al-Fawzan’s appointment is notable as it breaks the long-standing tradition of the al-Sheikh family (descendants of the founder of Wahhabism) serving as the Grand Mufti.
Despite the appointment of a highly conservative scholar to the top religious post, Saudi Arabia has pursued social liberalization under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed, including allowing women to drive and reopening movie theaters, as part of a broader plan to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil. The Grand Mufti’s rulings are closely watched globally, given Saudi Arabia’s role as the custodian of Islam’s two holiest cities.
With input from TNIE
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
