Passing of a Prominent Religious Figure
Riyadh — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, has passed away at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. The announcement, confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court on Tuesday morning, has left the Kingdom and much of the Muslim world in mourning.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the funeral prayer for the late scholar will be held later on Tuesday at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, following the Asr prayer.
Condolences from Saudi Leadership
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their profound sorrow over the loss. In separate statements, both leaders described Sheikh Abdulaziz’s death as a significant loss not only for Saudi Arabia but for Muslims globally.
“The Grand Mufti dedicated his life to Islam and the service of Muslims,” the Royal Court said. The statement also highlighted his role in promoting religious scholarship and guiding Saudi Arabia’s religious institutions throughout his decades-long career.
Life and Service to Islam
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh was regarded as one of the Kingdom’s most influential clerics. He served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia, where he issued numerous fatwas and religious opinions that shaped public and private life in the Kingdom.
He also delivered the annual Hajj sermon in Mecca, a platform watched by millions of Muslims worldwide. His sermons often emphasized unity, faith, and adherence to Islamic principles, resonating far beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders.
Influence at Home and Abroad
Throughout his career, Sheikh Abdulaziz worked to promote Islamic teachings internationally. He engaged with religious scholars, participated in interfaith discussions, and encouraged a deeper understanding of Islamic law and practice.
Domestically, his guidance extended to Saudi Arabia’s education and religious institutions, where his leadership influenced the Kingdom’s approach to faith and public morality. Supporters recall his emphasis on moderation and his role in advising successive Saudi governments on religious matters.
Reaction from Scholars and Citizens
News of the Grand Mufti’s death prompted widespread grief among scholars, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens. Social media platforms across the Middle East were flooded with condolences, tributes, and prayers in his memory.
Religious scholars in various Muslim-majority countries also issued statements of sympathy, recognizing his decades of service as a scholar and spiritual leader. Many described his passing as a void that would be difficult to fill.
Legacy and Contribution
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh’s legacy spans multiple generations. His fatwas and sermons guided millions on issues ranging from personal conduct to broader social and religious questions. For many, he was a reference point in navigating faith in the modern world.
Saudi authorities stressed that his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of scholars. His leadership within the Council of Senior Scholars and his influence in Islamic jurisprudence ensured that his voice reached across borders.
A Nation in Mourning
The funeral at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque is expected to draw senior Saudi officials, members of the royal family, religious leaders, and thousands of citizens. Similar prayers in absentia are anticipated across other parts of the Kingdom and in mosques around the world.
As Saudi Arabia reflects on his life, many view his passing as the end of a significant chapter in the Kingdom’s religious history. His decades of service, both at home and abroad, ensured that his influence will endure in the hearts and minds of millions.
