Human Rights Watch Criticizes Saudi Appointment of Sheikh Al-Fawzan as Grand Mufti

Human Rights Watch Criticizes Saudi Appointment of Sheikh Al-Fawzan as Grand Mufti
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Human Rights Watch has criticized Saudi Arabia’s appointment of Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan as the kingdom’s new Grand Mufti and head of the Council of Senior Scholars, citing his record of promoting sectarian rhetoric. The organization said in a statement, reported on Wednesday, that the appointment raises concern due to Al-Fawzan’s history of making derogatory remarks about the country’s Shiite minority.

According to the group, Al-Fawzan was appointed on October 22, 2025, by royal decree following a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Grand Mufti position is the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia. The watchdog noted that Saudi authorities have long allowed government-appointed clerics to use discriminatory language toward religious minorities, particularly the Shiite community.

HRW researcher Joey Shea said that while Al-Fawzan has previously promoted hate speech against Shiites, his new role presents an opportunity to “change his tone and advocate for tolerance.” She added that Saudi Arabia should continue its reform efforts by ending systemic discrimination against religious minorities.

The organization said the Shiite population in Saudi Arabia has faced long-standing marginalization and that sectarian rhetoric by influential clerics reinforces this discrimination. It cited past statements by Al-Fawzan describing Shiites as “brothers of Satan” and labeling Jews, Christians, and Shiites as “enemies of Muslims.”
HRW urged Al-Fawzan to publicly apologize for his past remarks and promote a new era of religious tolerance in the kingdom.