Salih al-Fawzan is a well-known Islamic scholar from Saudi Arabia who has spent his life teaching, writing, and guiding people in matters of religion. He was born on 28 September 1935 in Ash-Shamsiyyah, a small village in the Al-Qassim Province. Over the years, he became one of the most respected voices in Islamic law and education.
In October 2025, at the age of 90, he was appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, the highest religious authority in the Kingdom. This role gives him the responsibility of issuing fatwas (religious rulings), advising the government on Islamic law, and serving as a spiritual guide for millions of Muslims.
Early Life and Background
al-Fawzan was born on 28 September 1935 in the small village of Ash-Shamsiyyah, located in the Al-Qassim Province of Saudi Arabia. This region has long been known as a center of Islamic learning, producing many scholars who shaped the religious life of the Kingdom. Growing up in a rural environment, al-Fawzan was exposed to traditional values and a strong religious culture from an early age. His father, Fawzan Bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan, passed away when he was young, leaving him to be raised in a household where faith and community played a central role.
As a child, al-Fawzan showed a keen interest in learning. He began his education at Al-Faysaliyyah School in Buraydah, where he studied basic subjects along with the Quran. In 1954, he enrolled at Ma‘had Al-‘Ilmi (The Institute of Knowledge) in Buraydah, a school dedicated to Islamic studies. Here, he was introduced to deeper subjects such as Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (sayings of the Prophet), and Tafsir (Quranic interpretation). As of October 2025, Salih is 90 years old.
Family Heritage
Al-Fawzan’s family background is deeply rooted in the traditions of Al-Qassim Province. His father, Fawzan Bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan, was known for his piety and respect within the community. Although his father passed away early in his life, the values he left behind shaped al-Fawzan’s character. Growing up in a family that valued religion and education, he was encouraged to pursue knowledge and dedicate his life to serving Islam.
The Al-Fawzan family name is well recognized in Saudi Arabia, especially in the central region. Families in this area often take pride in their heritage, and al-Fawzan’s rise to prominence brought honor not only to his immediate relatives but also to his wider community. His hometown of Ash-Shamsiyyah is often mentioned in biographies as a reminder of his humble beginnings.
Salih al-Fawzan – Wiki Table
| Full Name | Sheikh Salih bin Fawzan al-Fawzan |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 September 1935 (Saturday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 90 Years |
| Birthplace | Ash-Shamsiyyah, Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia |
| Nationality | Saudi |
| Hometown | Ash-Shamsiyyah, Al-Qassim Province |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height (approx.) | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Lavender Grey |
| Hair Colour | Grey |
| Religion | Islam |
| Denomination | Sunni |
| Creed | Athari |
| Movement | Salafi |
| Profession | Islamic Scholar |
| Known For | Appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia in 2025 |
| Education | Al-Faysaliyyah School, Buraydah (1952) Ma‘had Al-‘Ilmi, Buraydah (1954–1958) Kulliyat Ash-Shari’ah, Riyadh (1962) |
| Qualifications | Master’s in Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), specialization in Inheritance Law PhD in Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) |
| Career Highlights | Member, Council of Senior Scholars (since 1992) Member, Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta Host of radio program Noor ala al-Darb Appointed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (2025) |
| Parents | Father – Fawzan Bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan (deceased) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Controversies | 2011: Opposed setting a minimum age for marriage 2017: Sectarian remarks about Shiite Muslims |
| @saalih.al.fawzan/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Salih_al‑Fawzan |
Physical Appearance
Salih is described as a tall man, standing at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). His height, combined with his dignified manner, gives him a commanding presence. Over the years, his appearance has become familiar to millions of Saudis through television programs, public lectures, and photographs in newspapers.
He has lavender grey eyes, a rare and striking feature that sets him apart. His grey hair reflects his age and long years of service, but it also adds to the image of a wise elder. Dressed in traditional Saudi attire, usually a white thobe and a red-and-white checkered shemagh or a plain white ghutra, he presents himself in a way that reflects both tradition and authority.
Education: Foundations of Knowledge
Al-Fawzan’s education began in his hometown of Ash-Shamsiyyah before he moved to Buraydah, the capital of Al-Qassim Province. In 1952, he enrolled at Al-Faysaliyyah School, where he studied basic subjects along with Islamic teachings. This early education gave him a strong foundation in reading, writing, and Quranic studies.
In 1954, he joined Ma‘had Al-‘Ilmi (The Institute of Knowledge) in Buraydah, a school dedicated to Islamic sciences. Here, he studied under respected teachers who introduced him to advanced subjects such as Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad), and Tafsir (interpretation of the Quran). These years were crucial in shaping his intellectual direction, as he developed a deep interest in Islamic law.
Higher Education and Specialization
In 1962, al-Fawzan graduated from Kulliyat Ash-Shari’ah (The College of Shari’ah) in Riyadh, one of the most prestigious centers for Islamic law in Saudi Arabia. His time at the college exposed him to a wide range of subjects, from classical jurisprudence to modern applications of Islamic law.
After completing his undergraduate studies, he pursued a master’s degree in Fiqh, with a specialization in inheritance law. This area of study is one of the most detailed and technical branches of Islamic jurisprudence, requiring a strong command of both mathematics and legal principles. His choice of specialization reflected his interest in precision and structure, qualities that would define his later work. Al-Fawzan did not stop there. He went on to earn a PhD in Fiqh, further establishing his authority as a scholar.
Rise in Islamic Scholarship
After completing his studies, al-Fawzan began teaching at various institutions. His early career was marked by a dedication to both classroom teaching and public lectures. He quickly gained a reputation as a clear and authoritative speaker, able to explain complex legal issues in a way that ordinary people could understand.
In 1992, he was appointed to the Council of Senior Scholars, the highest religious body in Saudi Arabia. He also became a member of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, which is responsible for issuing fatwas (religious rulings). These positions gave him national visibility and allowed him to influence both religious practice and government policy.
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Career Milestones
Over the decades, al-Fawzan has achieved several important milestones in his career. His teaching career spanned multiple generations of students, many of whom went on to become scholars themselves. His lectures and writings have been widely circulated, making him a household name in Saudi Arabia.
One of his most influential roles has been his participation in the radio program “Noor ala al-Darb” (Light the Way). Through this program, he answered questions from ordinary Muslims on issues ranging from daily worship to complex legal matters. The program made him accessible to millions of listeners, strengthening his role as a guide for the public.
In October 2025, at the age of 90, al-Fawzan reached the peak of his career when he was appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. This appointment was made by King Salman, with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It marked the culmination of a lifetime of scholarship and service, placing him at the very top of the Kingdom’s religious hierarchy.
Appointment as Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (2025)
In October 2025, Salih al-Fawzan was officially appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, the highest religious authority in the Kingdom. The announcement came through a royal decree issued by King Salman, with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This appointment followed the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, who had held the position for more than two decades.
The role of the Grand Mufti is one of immense responsibility. As the top religious scholar in Saudi Arabia, the Mufti oversees the issuance of fatwas, provides guidance on matters of Islamic law, and serves as a spiritual advisor to the government. Al-Fawzan’s appointment was seen as both a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s religious traditions and a recognition of his decades of service to Islamic scholarship.
Scholarly Contributions
Over the course of his career, al-Fawzan has authored numerous books and scholarly works on Islamic jurisprudence. His writings cover a wide range of topics, from inheritance law to daily acts of worship. Many of his works are used as reference materials in Islamic universities and seminaries across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
In addition to his books, al-Fawzan has issued countless fatwas through his role in the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta. These rulings address practical questions faced by Muslims in their daily lives, such as business transactions, family matters, and religious obligations. His fatwas are widely circulated and often quoted in religious discussions.
Personal Life and Family
Despite his public prominence, al-Fawzan has kept much of his personal life private. He is married, and his family has supported him throughout his long career. While details about his wife and children are not widely publicized, this privacy reflects the cultural norms of Saudi Arabia, where public figures often separate their personal and professional lives.
His family background, particularly the influence of his late father, has been an important part of his story. Growing up without a father from a young age, he relied on the support of his community and his extended family. This experience may have contributed to his strong sense of discipline and responsibility.
Controversies and Criticisms
Like many prominent religious figures, Salih al-Fawzan’s career has not been free from controversy. His conservative views have often sparked debate both inside Saudi Arabia and abroad. One of the most widely discussed controversies occurred in 2011, when he publicly opposed the idea of setting a minimum legal age for marriage. At the time, Saudi Arabia’s justice ministry was considering reforms to prevent marriages involving very young girls. Al-Fawzan’s opposition drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and international media, who argued that such views were out of step with modern standards of child protection.
Another major controversy came in 2017, when Human Rights Watch highlighted a recording in which al-Fawzan allegedly referred to Shiite Muslims as “brothers of Satan.” This statement caused outrage, given the sensitive sectarian tensions in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Critics accused him of fueling division, while his supporters argued that his comments were taken out of context. Regardless, the incident added to his reputation as a polarizing figure.
Timeline of Major Life Events
- 1935: Born in Ash-Shamsiyyah, Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia
- 1952: Enrolled at Al-Faysaliyyah School, Buraydah
- 1954–1958: Studied at Ma‘had Al-‘Ilmi (The Institute of Knowledge), Buraydah
- 1962: Graduated from Kulliyat Ash-Shari’ah, Riyadh
- 1970s–1980s: Began teaching and writing extensively on Islamic law
- 1992: Appointed to the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta
- 2011: Controversy over opposition to minimum marriage age
- 2017: Criticism for sectarian remarks about Shiite Muslims
- 2025: Appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia at the age of 90
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