Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim community are in mourning following the death of the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, a revered cleric who served as the country’s top religious authority for more than two decades.
The Saudi Royal Court confirmed his passing on Tuesday, though it withheld details of his cause of death. Multiple Saudi outlets reported his age as 82.
“With the passing of Al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions to the service of Islam and Muslims,” the Royal Court said in a solemn statement.
Funeral Rites and National Mourning
Funeral prayers were held after Asr at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, drawing crowds of senior officials, scholars, and citizens. In keeping with Saudi tradition, he was laid to rest immediately at a nearby cemetery.
By royal directive of King Salman, funeral prayers in absentia were simultaneously offered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and mosques across the Kingdom.
Among the dignitaries present were the Emir of Madinah, Prince Salman bin Sultan, and Makkah’s Deputy Emir, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, who joined worshippers in praying for Allah’s mercy and granting the late Grand Mufti the highest ranks in Paradise.
From Orphaned Youth to Grand Mufti
Born in Makkah into the distinguished Al ash-Sheikh family, a lineage steeped in Islamic scholarship, Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh overcame daunting challenges early in life. Orphaned young and losing his sight at the age of 17, he memorised the Qur’an and pursued Islamic knowledge with remarkable determination.
He graduated from Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University in 1965 with a specialisation in Arabic and Shariah law, later embarking on an academic and religious career that would establish him as one of the most influential scholars of modern times.
Hajj Sermons and Global Influence
In 1982, Al-Sheikh was appointed imam and preacher at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where he delivered the iconic Arafat sermon during Hajj for 33 consecutive years. His words, broadcast to millions of pilgrims and Muslims worldwide, made him the most prolific Hajj preacher in history.
His sermons emphasised unity, patience, piety, and the preservation of Islamic tradition in a rapidly changing world.
Rise to the Grand Mufti’s Seat
King Fahd appointed him Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia in 1999, succeeding Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz. As head of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, he became the Kingdom’s most authoritative voice on religious matters.
Over the years, his rulings reflected a blend of conservatism and reform:
2005: Ruled against forced marriages.
2018: Supported the decision allowing women to drive.
2004: Criticised gender mixing at a Jeddah economic forum.
Famously declared chess “the work of Satan” on his popular call-in radio program.
Al-Sheikh authored numerous works on fiqh, theology, and fatwas, including The Book of Allah and its Glorious Position, Fatwas on Purity and Prayer, and A Collection of Arafat Sermons.
Global Condolences
Tributes have poured in from across the Muslim world:
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed his death as a “great loss to Muslims worldwide.”
Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Dr Shawky Allam, prayed for Allah’s mercy upon his soul.
The Supreme Fatwa Council of Syria praised his decades of guidance and Dawah as “a great legacy in the service of Sharia.”
A Lasting Legacy
Blind since his teens yet unshaken in resolve, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh embodied perseverance and devotion. His calm presence, sharp intellect, and unyielding commitment to faith made him a central figure in Saudi society and a respected voice in global Islam.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his scholarship and sermons will continue to inspire generations of Muslims around the world.
BREAKING: Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh Dies at 82, Islamic World Mourns a Towering Scholar
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