Shaykh Dr Sa'ud al-Shuraim delivering the Friday Sermon in Masjid al-Haram, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Today, as I completed the Jumu‘ah prayer, my heart turned to a deeply personal milestone—ten years since Allah first blessed me to ascend the Minbar and deliver my very first Khutbah. I was a student at Xaverian College at the time, young, uncertain, and unaware of how profoundly this responsibility would shape my life. A decade later, I stand humbled by Allah’s grace, honoured by the trust of communities, and ever-aware of the weight and beauty of this sacred duty.
My ultimate example will always remain the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, whose character, leadership, and compassion illuminate every aspect of my work. Yet, when people ask me which figures from our time have had the greatest impact on me as a Khateeb, my heart immediately turns to Sheikh Dr. Sa‘ud ibn Ibrāhīm ash-Shuraim.
Shaykh Shuraim is not only one of the leading Imams of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, but also a distinguished scholar, jurist, and Qārī whose recitation moves millions. Born in Riyadh in 1964, he excelled academically from a young age, known for his quiet humility and remarkable discipline. At just 30 years old, he was appointed Imam of Masjid al-Haram in 1412 AH (1992)—a moment that placed him before the entire Ummah and marked the beginning of a legacy that would impact generations.
A story often shared by students close to him recounts how, after being selected as an Imam, Shuraim wept—not out of joy, but out of fear of falling short in the responsibility of leading the Muslims in prayer. It was said that he spent the entire night in worship, seeking Allah’s help to carry this trust with sincerity. This moment reveals the essence of Shaykh Shuraim: a man whose greatness arises not from position, but from humility, taqwa, and dedication.
Alongside his Imamate, he holds a doctorate in Shari‘ah and served for many years as a professor and dean at Umm al-Qura University, nurturing students in fiqh, usul, and Qur’anic sciences. His Khutbahs, delivered from the sacred precincts of the Ka‘bah, have become part of the spiritual soundtrack of the Muslim world—eloquent, powerful, and rooted in deep understanding.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets… they did not leave behind gold or silver, but knowledge. Whoever takes from it has taken a great portion.”
[Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets… they did not leave behind gold or silver, but knowledge. Whoever takes from it has taken a great portion.”
[Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
Shaykh Shuraim embodies this Prophetic inheritance. His words carry sincerity, his actions reflect humility, and his life teaches us that true leadership is grounded in obedience to Allah, not self-promotion. His journey from a quiet student of knowledge to one of the most recognised Imams on earth is a testament to:
• Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ): He sought nothing but the pleasure of Allah, and Allah elevated him.
• Discipline: His mastery of Qur’an, fiqh, and Arabic is the fruit of years of structured learning and sacrifice.
• Dedication: Even after becoming an Imam, he continued teaching, writing, researching, and mentoring students.
•Humility: Despite his global influence, he remains reserved, grounded, and focused on worship.
If you have never listened to his Khutbahs, I encourage you to do so—even one sermon is enough to leave your heart shaken and your imān renewed. Few voices carry the combination of depth, gentleness, and commanding presence like his.
As I reflect on ten years of standing on the Minbar, I am reminded that knowledge is a trust, preaching is a responsibility, and sincerity is everything. May Allah allow us to follow in the footsteps of our righteous scholars, serve His religion with excellence, and leave behind a legacy that pleases Him alone.
May Allah preserve our scholars, protect our Imams, and allow us to benefit from their knowledge, Ameen.
Please note: As of 2023, Sheikh Dr Sa’ud Al-Shuraim is no longer serving his role as the Imam at Masjid Al-Haram.
Jumu'ah Khutbah by Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim in Ramadan 1443