Kamal Ghorui
Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al-Maghamsi has officially been appointed as an imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. He led his first Isha prayer at Masjid an-Nabawi on February 21, beginning his service at one of Islam’s most sacred sites.The appointment brings a widely respected scholar with decades of experience in Islamic teaching and Quran interpretation to the ranks of imams who lead millions of worshippers each year.
Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al-Maghamsi was born on November 17, 1963, in Madinah. He grew up in a scholarly environment, which encouraged him to pursue Islamic studies from an early age.He later specialised in Quranic exegesis, also known as tafsir. Over the years, he built a reputation as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading contemporary scholars.He studied Arabic language and Islamic sciences at King Abdul Aziz University. In addition, he received advanced religious training under several prominent scholars in the Kingdom, including Sheikh Ibn Baaz, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, Sheikh Abu Bakr Al-Jazairi and Sheikh Mohammed Attia Salem. Their mentorship helped shape his scholarly outlook and teaching approach.Before this appointment, Sheikh Al-Maghamsi served for many years as imam and khateeb of Quba Mosque in Madinah, the first mosque in Islamic history. His Friday sermons and weekly Quran interpretation lessons regularly drew large crowds. Many people travelled specifically to attend his sessions.His lessons were often recorded and widely shared on social media, expanding his reach beyond those physically present.Alongside his religious duties, he worked as a lecturer at Taibah University and directed the Center for Research and Studies in Madinah. He also contributed to academic and educational activities in the city.
Public presence and influence
Sheikh Al-Maghamsi is known for his calm and articulate style when explaining the Holy Quran. He is recognised for linking religious texts to contemporary issues in a way that remains faithful to traditional scholarship.Through television programmes and public lectures, he has addressed topics such as Quran interpretation, Islamic history, fiqh and the Prophet’s biography. He has also taken part in Islamic conferences and seminars, often speaking about moderation, balance and the application of Islamic values in modern life.His ability to present Islamic sciences in a simplified manner while maintaining depth and accuracy has earned him wide recognition inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
Significance of the appointment
The Prophet’s Mosque welcomes millions of worshippers each year, especially during Ramadan and Hajj. By joining the roster of imams at Masjid an-Nabawi, Sheikh Al-Maghamsi becomes part of a distinguished group entrusted with leading prayers at one of the most sacred sites in Islam.In a message posted on X following the announcement, he thanked the Saudi leadership for placing their trust in him. He expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, asking Allah to grant success in fulfilling the responsibility.With his background in scholarship, teaching and public outreach, Sheikh Al-Maghamsi now takes on a role that carries both spiritual and global significance.
