Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court announced on Tuesday the passing of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh at the age of 82, according to the Saudi Press Agency. He was serving 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 loss is deeply felt across the Islamic world.
Funeral Arrangements in Riyadh
The funeral prayers for Sheikh Abdul Aziz were scheduled at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. In a gesture of reverence, King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordered funeral prayers in absentia to be held in Makkah’s Grand Mosque, Madina’s Masjid-i-Nabvi, and in all mosques across the Kingdom. This rare gesture highlights the magnitude of respect for the grand mufti’s lifelong religious contributions.
National and International Condolences
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally extended condolences to the grand mufti’s family, the people of Saudi Arabia, and Muslims worldwide. Leaders across the globe expressed sorrow. The Royal Court’s statement described Sheikh Abdul Aziz as a distinguished scholar whose work enriched Islam. His passing is not just a national loss but a bereavement shared by the global Muslim community.
Tribute from Pakistani Leaders
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief, praising Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s scholarly wisdom and religious service. He remarked that his guidance would continue to inspire future generations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed condolences, calling the grand mufti a great religious scholar who dedicated his entire life to spreading Islamic values. He emphasized the deceased’s efforts for unity within the Muslim ummah.
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Remembered as a Guiding Light
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the enduring nature of Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s legacy, describing his services as a “bright chapter” in religious scholarship. He added that generations to come would seek direction from his works. The government and people of Pakistan declared solidarity with Saudi Arabia in this moment of grief, underlining the deep fraternal bond between the two nations, united by religion and brotherhood.
Tributes from Saudi Leadership
The Royal Court’s statement affirmed that the Islamic world has lost a highly respected figure. King Salman’s order for widespread funeral prayers symbolized his acknowledgment of the mufti’s unmatched religious stature. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended heartfelt sympathies, acknowledging the late mufti’s role in shaping the religious and jurisprudential path of the Kingdom, ensuring continuity of scholarly leadership within Saudi Arabia’s religious institutions.
Role in the Muslim World
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq of Pakistan also mourned Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s demise, highlighting his profound role in promoting unity among Muslims worldwide. He called the mufti’s religious and jurisprudential legacy a “guiding light” for future generations. Such tributes demonstrate the global admiration and respect he commanded, extending beyond Saudi Arabia into every corner of the Muslim ummah.
His Unique Legacy in Haj Sermons
One of Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s most remarkable achievements was his record of delivering the Haj sermon more times than any other scholar in modern history. This role further cemented his place in the hearts of millions. His sermons, grounded in deep scholarship and spiritual wisdom, guided countless pilgrims. His words were not merely sermons but profound lessons that will echo across generations in the memory of the faithful.
