Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti passes away at 82
Funeral prayers in absentia ordered in all mosques across the Kingdom
RIYADH – The Royal Court on Tuesday announced the passing of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh at the age of 82.
He also served as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League.
The Royal Court confirmed that his funeral prayer will be held today after the Asr prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has ordered funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and all mosques across the Kingdom.
Who was Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh?
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh was born on 30 November 1943 in Makkah. He lost his father in 1951 before the age of eight and memorised the Holy Quran during his childhood. Despite losing his eyesight in his twenties, he pursued higher education in Sharia and became a respected scholar. His career included academic positions at universities and serving as preacher at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh as well as Nimrah Mosque in Arafat.
What roles did he hold?
Sheikh Al Sheikh was appointed as the Kingdom’s third Grand Mufti, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz. He held ministerial rank as Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and led the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta. His leadership extended to the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, where his influence was felt globally.
The late Grand Mufti authored numerous works on Islamic jurisprudence, including collections of fatwas and detailed writings on Islamic creed and lawful and unlawful matters. His publications, compiled from decades of scholarship and public programmes, remain widely referenced in the Islamic world.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, have extended condolences to Sheikh Al Sheikh’s family, the Saudi people, and Muslims worldwide, acknowledging his lifetime of service to Islam.