Al ash-Sheikh
Believed to number several hundred individuals currently, the Al ash-Sheikh has continued to produce religious leaders who have exercised great influence on government decision-making. The Al ash-Sheikh ulema have dominated key state institutions such as the Senior Council of Ulema and the Higher Council of Qadis (Judges). Traditionally the most senior religious office, the Grand Mufti, was filled by a member of the family, and, in fact, there has only ever been one Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who was not an Al ash-Sheikh. Other members of the family serve in important military and civilian capacities, as well as serving as judges and other religious figures.