Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh Passes Away at 82

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82, the Saudi Royal Court announced. Funeral prayers are scheduled at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, saying, “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.”

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ordered funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and in all mosques across the Kingdom, ANI reported.

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Sheikh Abdulaziz, born on November 30, 1940, in Mecca, served as Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti from 1999 until his death, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Baz. A member of the Al ash-Sheikh family, he memorized the Quran and studied Islamic jurisprudence under prominent scholars from a young age.

During his tenure, he interpreted Sharia law, issued fatwas on legal and social issues, and promoted unity across Muslim sects. He also served as head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League.

Sheikh Abdulaziz contributed to interfaith dialogue and religious cooperation across the Gulf region and the wider Muslim world. Saudi leadership, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extended condolences to his family, the Saudi people, and the global Muslim community. Religious leaders across the Islamic world, including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Shawky Allam, also paid tribute.

The passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz marks the loss of a distinguished scholar whose influence extended well beyond Saudi Arabia, shaping Islamic scholarship and guidance for decades.

Update: Funeral prayers are set to be held at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer, with widespread mourning across the Kingdom.