Saudi Arabiaโs Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has died at the age of 82.The Royal Court confirmed his passing on Tuesday, describing him as โa distinguished scholar who devoted his life to serving Islam and Muslims.โFuneral prayers were held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer, while King Salman directed that absentee funeral prayers also be performed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophetโs Mosque in Madinah, and in mosques across the Kingdom.Born in Makkah in 1943, Sheikh Abdulaziz memorized the Qurโan at an early age but lost his eyesight at 17.
He studied at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, where he later taught before becoming a leading Islamic scholar.He was appointed Grand Mufti in 1999, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz ibn Baz, and also chaired key religious institutions including the Council of Senior Scholars and the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta. For over three decades, he delivered the annual Arafat sermon during Hajj at Namirah Mosque.
The late Muftiโs rulings and guidance played a central role in shaping religious and social life in Saudi Arabia for more than two decades. Condolences have poured in from Saudi leaders and the wider Muslim world.