Al-Fawzan, a deeply conservative religious scholar with decades of influence in Saudi Arabia's religious establishment, is widely regarded as one of the kingdom's most prominent Islamic figures. However, his elevation to the highest religious office has sparked controversy due to his hardline views on various social issues, which appear at odds with the progressive reforms championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A Pillar of Religious Conservatism
Born in 1935, Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan al-Fawzan has been a respected figure within Saudi Arabia's religious elite for decades. An established scholar of the traditional Hanbali-Wahhabi school of Islamic jurisprudence that has historically guided the kingdom, al-Fawzan studied under influential predecessors like Abdulaziz bin Baz, from whom he inherited his traditionalist approach.
His extensive career includes holding key positions in the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta. Through his extensive writings, broadcasts, and fatwas, al-Fawzan has become a significant voice among conservative Saudis, commanding considerable respect within traditionalist circles.
History of Controversial Statements
Al-Fawzan's appointment has raised concerns among human rights advocates and reform-minded observers due to his history of controversial statements and rulings. According to Human Rights Watch, he made remarks in 2017 calling Shiite Muslims "brothers of Satan." In 2016, a fatwa attributed to him banned the popular mobile game "Pokémon Go" as a form of gambling. He also made a controversial statement regarding slavery in 2003 and publicly opposed setting a minimum age for marriage in 2011.
Balancing Reform and Tradition
The appointment presents a complex picture of Saudi Arabia's direction under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the Crown Prince has introduced significant social reforms—including empowering women, allowing them to drive, and opening the country to tourism—the elevation of a traditionalist like al-Fawzan suggests that the official religious hierarchy remains firmly conservative.
According to expert Umar Karim, the appointment follows customary practice of selecting the most senior scholar from the Council of Senior Scholars, indicating continuity within the religious establishment despite broader societal changes. This move could be interpreted as an attempt to appease conservative factions, balance ambitious social reforms, or simply maintain institutional tradition.
Implications for Saudi Arabia's Future
As Grand Mufti, al-Fawzan's interpretations will carry considerable weight in religious discourse both within Saudi Arabia and potentially across the broader Muslim world. His appointment also marks a departure from tradition, as the Al-Sheikh family had held the position for the previous two terms.
The selection of a figure with al-Fawzan's hardline views alongside the Crown Prince's modernization efforts raises important questions about the future social and religious trajectory of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the delicate balancing act between reform and religious conservatism in the kingdom.
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