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Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan chaired the 99th session of the Council of Senior Scholars at its headquarters in Taif, where the meeting brought together Secretary General Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed and other council members. In his opening address, the Grand Mufti, who also serves as head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta, pointed to the significant support and attention from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This backing has allowed the council to effectively carry out its scholarly and legal duties, including reviewing referred issues and delivering appropriate rulings on them.
The Grand Mufti further noted the security, stability, growth and prosperity that Saudi Arabia currently enjoys along with the special honor of serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating safe pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide. According to the Ministry of Hajj, the Kingdom welcomed over 1.8 million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, underscoring the safe and organized environment. Such conditions reflect the broader stability that has characterized the Kingdom in recent years.
Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed indicated that the session’s agenda encompasses multiple important topics referred by King Salman, several government agencies and the Permanent Committee for Fatwas. Advisory committees consisting of council members and qualified specialists were established on the sidelines to examine these subjects in depth. The committees have since delivered their reports to the full council for further consideration and debate.
The General Secretariat prepared a series of peer-reviewed research papers on the agenda items, drawing on input from specialists across various disciplines to ensure multifaceted analysis. Additional experts were invited to contribute their views on topics aligned with their areas of expertise. This methodical process supports the council in reaching well-informed decisions and legal opinions.
The Council of Senior Scholars persists with its deliberations on the agenda during the current session, applying detailed scholarly and legal scrutiny in line with its established responsibilities. Similar emphasis on national achievements was voiced by the Grand Mufti in the preceding session earlier this year. The body remains a cornerstone of religious guidance in the Kingdom, advising on matters that affect society and governance.
