Born in 1935 in Saudi Arabia's al-Qassim province, Sheikh Saleh is known for his conservative views, media presence, and controversial statements, including opposition to Shiite Muslims and support for traditional Islamic teachings.

He has made radical comments in the past, such as linking slavery to Islam and issuing a fatwa banning Pokémon Go as gambling, which have sparked debate.

Despite controversies, Sheikh Saleh remains influential within Saudi conservative circles and the Wahhabi school of thought, which has historically dominated the Grand Mufti position.

In addition to his scholarly roles, Sheikh al-Fawzan is active in religious leadership, participating in the Council of Senior Scholars, overseeing Islamic awareness during Hajj, and serving as an imam and preacher in Riyadh.

He will also hold the rank of minister as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and head the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, guiding religious policy and issuing authoritative fatwas.

Observers believe Sheikh Saleh's leadership will shape religious policy and influence public guidance in Saudi Arabia and the wider Muslim world.

He holds advanced degrees in Sharia Law, including a doctorate on permissible and prohibited foods, and a master's thesis on inheritance, establishing his scholarly authority.

As a highly respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh al-Fawzan will serve as the highest religious authority, issuing fatwas and guiding Islamic jurisprudence in the kingdom.

He will also be the Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and head the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta, overseeing Islamic law research and religious publications.

He has a distinguished academic career, serving as a teacher, director of the Higher Institute of Judiciary, and member of key religious committees including the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Islamic Fiqh Council.

Al-Fawzan has held influential positions such as teaching at the Scholarly Institute in Riyadh, and serving on Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars and the Islamic Fiqh Council.

Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan, a conservative cleric in his nineties, as its new grand mufti, maintaining traditional religious leadership amidst ongoing social reforms.

The decision was made by King Salman based on the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflecting the importance of the role in the kingdom.

The grand mufti's position is highly significant in Sunni Islam, especially in Saudi Arabia, which hosts the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and oversees the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Al-Fawzan is known for his conservative interpretation of Islamic law, emphasizing evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, and has contributed to religious discourse through radio programs, fatwas, and academic supervision.