Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has reportedly died.
although the Saudi Royal Court confirmed his passing, it did not disclose his age or cause of death.
Multiple Saudi media outlets put his age at 82. Al-Sheikh’s death on Tuesday marked the end of more than two decades as the Kingdom’s top religious authority.
“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 announced.
Funeral prayers were held after Asr at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Riyadh, with senior officials, scholars and citizens in attendance.
In line with Saudi custom, burial followed immediately at a nearby cemetery.
By directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, funeral prayers in absentia were also offered after Asr at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and mosques across the Kingdom.
Among dignitaries present were the Emir of Madinah, Prince Salman bin Sultan, who joined prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, and Makkah Deputy Emir, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, who offered prayers at King Salman Mosque, Jeddah.
Worshippers prayed for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and high rank in Paradise for the deceased.
Al-Sheikh’s Rise to the Highest Religious Office
Grand Mufti & Council Chief: In June 1999, King Fahd appointed Al-Sheikh Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, succeeding Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz. He also led the Council of Senior Scholars, the government body that issues religious edicts.
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