Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais: Understanding Sheikh Sudais

One week ago, a heated debate erupted in the Muslim world over comments made by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, one of the nine imams of the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, in Saudi Arabia and also the president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques of Islam; Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet”s Mosque in Medina. Sheikh Sudais, the esteemed Qari” (reciter of the Qur”an) who is widely recognized by this title, had mentioned in a speech during one of his regular addresses that while Muslims should pray for the victims of the Israeli attacks in Gaza, they should also “not let these temptations and events divide them” but rather allow scholars and leaders to determine the appropriate course of action and “refrain from engaging in matters that lie beyond their purview.” Some have interpreted Sheikh Sudais” comments as the official stance of Saudi Arabia, suggesting that they were made under the pressure of the monarchy.

However, prayers for the Gazans under Israeli attacks have been a regular fixture in Sheikh Sudais’ regular addresses. On one such instances on November 14, the official X handle of Sheikh Sudais, said that he concluded of his addresses “by praying for Palestine and its people for victory, steadfastness, and empowerment”. The usage of victory in Sheikh Sudais’s address is significant considering the stance of the Arab kingdoms. Although, Sheikh Sudais ended his prayer with “protect and bless those in charge, and to guide them to what is in the interests of the people and the country”.

Sheikh Sudais has praised Saudi Arabia for hosting the extraordinary summit held in regard to the situation in Gaza. “The Kingdom is hosting an extraordinary joint Arab-Islamic summit; It reflects its sense of the importance of coming out with a unified position to confront the Israeli aggression and stop the forced displacement of Palestinians,” he said.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais

”The extraordinary Arab Islamic Summit will support efforts to condemn the subjection of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the occupied territories to a deadly siege, by preventing the basic necessities of life, with the aim of forcibly displacing the Palestinian people, and demanding that humanitarian and relief aid be allowed to reach those who deserve it among the Palestinian people,” he added.

But earlier in 2002, Sheikh Sudais was heavily criticised for his speeches criticising Israel and calling them names. He had called on Muslims to “say farewell to peace initiatives with these people (Jews).” He had allegedly prayed to the God of Islam to “terminate” the Jews, and called them “the scum of humanity, the rats of the world, prophet killers, pigs and monkeys.” He had said then the Israeli state was doing “an ugly annihilation”.

But, down the line in 2020, when the Arab world under the leadership United Arab Emirates (UAE) started the normalisation project (a project to have normal relationship between Israel and Arab countries) , Sheikh Sudais toned down his approach.

Sheikh Sudais then reportedly spoke about how Islam’s Prophet, Prophet Muhammad, was good to his Jewish neighbour and argued the best way to persuade Jews to convert to Islam was to “treat them well”. His change of opinion was, interestingly, even before Saudi Arabia entered the normalisation project, and in time the Kingdom also joined the suit.

Right after Israel started the bombardment in response to the October 7 Hamas attack, Sheikh Sudais issued a statement regarding the Palestine Israel conflict and expressed his admiration for the stand taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the issue. He then praised the “steadfast stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the Palestine cause”. He also commended on “the blessed efforts taken by Saudi to support the security, peace, and dignified life of the Palestinian people”.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais

Another speech available on the official source that he delivered on World Tolerance Day, Sheikh Sudais expresses his deep admiration for the the Kingdom calling it as “a role model, thanks to its moderate vision…” and added that “promoting a culture of tolerance is a strategic goal, and spreading its values ​​globally is a priority. Tolerance is a religious and humanitarian demand and it promotes peaceful coexistence”.

Sheikh Sudais also added that tolerance produces a strong, harmonious moderate society and a glorious, cohesive homeland, where love, harmony and coexistence prevail, and which flourishes with achievements and admiration.

Sheikh Sudais, the President of Religious Affairs, that working for more tolerant society is the mission of both the Presidency and the Two Holy Mosques.

“The Two Holy Mosques are a source of light and guidance, and their strategic goals are promoting religious affairs and spreading the values ​​of tolerance”.

Sheikh Sudais is a prominent figure in the Islamic world, revered for his melodious recitation of the Quran and his role as the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Born in 1960 in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, Al Sudais displayed a remarkable aptitude for memorizing the Quran from a young age. He completed his memorization of the entire Quran at the tender age of 12, earning him the admiration of his teachers and peers.

Sheikh Sudais”s exceptional recitation skills gained him recognition across the Islamic world, and he was appointed as an imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca in 1984. His captivating recitations during prayers and Tarawih (special nightly prayers during Ramadan) have touched the hearts of millions of Muslims worldwide. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential reciters of the Quran, known for his ability to evoke deep emotions and spiritual connection among his listeners.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais

He is a respected scholar of Islamic jurisprudence and has authored numerous books and articles on Islamic teachings.

Sheikh Sudais”s contributions to Islam have earned him numerous accolades and awards. In 2005, he was bestowed with the “Islamic Personality of the Year” award by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award. He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities around the world.

Beyond his religious and academic achievements, Sheikh Sudais is also known for his dedication to humanitarian causes. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, providing aid to the underprivileged and supporting educational programs in impoverished communities.