Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al Mahamsi has been officially appointed Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. On February 21, he performed his first fasting prayer at Masjid an-Nabawi, beginning services at one of Islam’s holiest sites.The appointment brings a widely respected scholar with decades of experience in Islamic teachings and interpretation of the Qur’an into the ranks of imams who lead millions of believers each year.
Who is Sheikh Saleh Maghmsi?
Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al Maghmsi was born on November 17, 1963 in Medina. He grew up in an academic environment, which encouraged him to pursue Islamic studies from an early age.Later he specialized in Qur’anic exegesis, also known as “tafsir”. Over the years he has been known as ” Saudi ArabiaTop contemporary scholars.He studied Arabic language and Islamic sciences at King Abdulaziz University. In addition, he received advanced religious training under several prominent scholars in the Kingdom, including Shaykh ibn Baz, Shaykh ibn al-Uthaymeen, Shaykh Abu Bakr al-Jazali, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Attiyah Salim. Their guidance helped shape his academic outlook and teaching methods.Prior to this appointment, Sheikh Mahamsi served for many years as Imam and Khatib of the Quba Mosque in Madinah, the first mosque in Islamic history. His Friday sermons and weekly Qur’an interpretation classes often draw large crowds. Many people came specifically to attend his meetings.His sessions are often recorded and shared widely on social media, extending his influence beyond the field.In addition to his religious duties, he serves as a lecturer at Taiba University and heads the Medina Research Center. He also contributed to the city’s academic and educational activities.
Public presence and influence
Sheikh Maghmsi was known for his calm and clear style when interpreting the Quran. He is recognized for relating religious texts to contemporary issues in a manner that is faithful to traditional scholarship.Through television programs and public lectures, he discussed topics such as Quranic interpretation, Islamic history, Sharia law, and the biography of the Prophet. He also attends Islamic conferences and seminars, often speaking on moderation, balance and application of Islamic values in modern life.His ability to present Islamic science in a simplified manner while maintaining depth and accuracy has earned him widespread recognition within and outside Saudi Arabia.
The significance of this appointment
The Prophet’s Mosque welcomes millions of worshipers every year, especially during Ramadan and Hajj. By joining the roster of imams at the Nabawi Mosque, Sheikh Maghmsi becomes part of a distinguished group entrusted with leading prayers at one of Islam’s holiest sites.Following the announcement, he thanked the Saudi leadership for their trust in him in a message posted on X. He expressed his gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and prayed to Allah for success in fulfilling this duty.With his background in scholarship, teaching and public advocacy, Sheikh Maghemsi now assumes roles of spiritual and global significance.
