The Grand Mufti of the Kingdom presides over the 98th session of the Council of Senior Scholars in Riyadh
The Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held its 98th session in Riyadh, the capital, under the chairmanship of His Eminence the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, and in the presence of a select group of scholars, jurists, and members of the Council, at the headquarters of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta. This periodic meeting comes within the framework of the Council's ongoing efforts to discuss emerging jurisprudential issues and contemporary matters of concern to Saudi society and the Islamic world, in accordance with the objectives of the tolerant Islamic Sharia.
The Council of Senior Scholars, established in 1971, is the highest religious authority in the Kingdom. It undertakes weighty responsibilities, including providing legal opinions on matters referred to it by the ruler and issuing scholarly rulings, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to basing its laws and decisions on the Quran and Sunnah. The Council's meetings are a cornerstone in promoting social and intellectual stability, combining authentic Islamic principles with consideration for the demands of the modern age.
In his opening remarks, His Eminence the Grand Mufti expressed his appreciation for the unlimited support the Commission receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister – may God protect them both. His Eminence affirmed that this support has enabled the Commission to fulfill its noble mission by thoroughly and thoughtfully studying all matters referred to it and issuing Sharia-compliant rulings that achieve the public interest and avert harm.
His Eminence praised the Kingdom's great blessings, foremost among them the blessing of unity, solidarity, and cohesion under the wise leadership, saying, "We thank God Almighty who has bestowed upon us in this blessed land the unity of its people and their word." He also commended the tremendous efforts exerted by the state in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, pilgrims and Umrah performers, affirming that this nation is "dear and proud, strong by God's grace and the efforts of its people," and that its prosperity and growth are a result of its commitment to upholding the pure Sharia.
The session's agenda, according to the Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Fahd bin Saad Al-Majed, included several important files received from the Royal Court, the Ministry of Interior, and the Permanent Committee for Fatwas. Al-Majed explained that the Council's General Secretariat had begun preparing thorough research and in-depth studies on these topics early on, with the participation of advisory committees and specialized experts to ensure comprehensiveness and accuracy of the findings.
At the conclusion of the opening session, the body raised their hands in supplication to the Almighty, asking Him to have mercy on the deceased, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, recalling his achievements and efforts in serving knowledge and religion, and asking God to grant success to the current scholars to continue the journey in clarifying the truth and spreading moderation and balance.
