The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader Islamic world are in mourning following the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh at the age of 82. The Saudi Royal Court officially announced his passing on Tuesday, with funeral prayers held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer.
In a show of profound respect, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ordered additional funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and all mosques throughout the Kingdom.
The Royal Court paid tribute to the late Grand Mufti’s immense contributions, stating that with his passing, “the Kingdom and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar.” Both King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their heartfelt condolences to his family, the Saudi people, and the global Muslim community.
Condolences Pour In
News of his death prompted reactions from leaders worldwide. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom and its people in this moment of grief.”
Religious leaders from across the Islamic world also mourned his passing, including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Shawky Allam, highlighting Sheikh Abdulaziz’s influential role within the broader Muslim community.
A Life of Scholarship and Service
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh was a prominent figure in the Islamic world, serving as Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority from 1999 until his death. He succeeded Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Baz in this esteemed role.
Born on November 30, 1940, in Mecca, he began his religious education at a young age, memorizing the Quran and studying Islamic jurisprudence under respected scholars. As a member of the Al ash-Sheikh family, which is renowned for its deep roots in Islamic scholarship, he was well-prepared for a life of religious leadership.
His career included a professorship at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University, where he taught Islamic jurisprudence. During his long tenure as Grand Mufti, he was responsible for interpreting Sharia law, issuing fatwas on various legal and social issues, and promoting unity among different Muslim sects. His guidance and influence extended beyond Saudi Arabia to the wider Gulf region, where he was involved in interfaith dialogue and cooperation on religious matters.
In addition to his role as Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz also served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. His life’s work solidified his legacy as a distinguished scholar and a unifying force in the Islamic world.