the 500 most influential muslims - The Royal Islamic Strategic ...

As the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah
Aal al Sheikh has the highest position of religious
authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is an
Islamic scholar based in Mecca—the seat of Sunni
Islam—and has influence as a leading cleric of the
expansive global movement of Salafi Muslims.
Head of Sunni Jurisprudential Committees
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Aal al Sheikh is chairman of the
Council of Senior Scholars, a scientific consultative
commission composed of leading Sunni specialists of sharia (Islamic law). He has been
behind fatwas that call for more rights for women and children.
Al Sheikh is also chairman of the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and fatwas
(religious rulings), a special committee designated for the researching and issuing of
religious rulings on jurisprudence, the Hadith, and creed for the Sunni world.
As head of the Presidency for Scientific Research and Religious Edicts (Dar al Ifta), al
Sheikh is often the spokesperson for controversial rulings issued from the Kingdom. He
is recognized for his influence in enforcing a distinct view of Islamic tradition. In 2008, he
publicly criticized Muslim televangelists that encouraged Muslims to celebrate birthdays
and anniversaries—stressing, instead, that only the two occasions of 'Eid and the weekly
Friday observations are valid occasions to celebrate. In this, and also in his condemnation
of Turkish soap operas sweeping the Arab world, al Sheikh has stressed the importance of
eliminating distracting practices. He is also ardently opposed to the practice of marrying
off very young girls to older men, stressing its incongruence with human decency and
Islamic tradition.
Central Figure of Global Salafi Movement
As Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, al Sheikh is the leading religious figure
of the Saudi-based network of Salafi Muslims. He stresses the importance of adhering to
a literal interpretation of the scripture and following Islam as it was practiced by the early
generations of Muslims. The rulings derived by al Sheikh are based heavily on a literal
reading of the Qur’an and emphasize the need to strip away innovative cultural practices
that have become a part of Muslims' lives across cultures. The movement he leads is
characterized by an authoritative stance on Islamic religious practice.
Eminent Scholarship
Grand Mufti al Sheikh is recognized as a leading contemporary scholar of Islam. He has
leveraged this influence by openly speaking out against Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda as
entities that push a dangerous ideological terrorism. He spoke for the need for a war—to
be fought by academics, the media, religious leaders and even parents—against deviant
thought that leads overzealous Muslims toward extremism and violence.
42
11
his eMinence sheikh abdul aziz
ibn abdullah aal al sheikh
Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Country: Saudi Arabia
Date of Birth: 1941
Source of Influence: Scholarly,
Administrative
Influence: Grand Mufti to 25.3
million Saudis and the global
network of Salafi Muslims
School of Thought: Salafi