The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has passed away at the age of 82 after a period of illness (Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un).

According to official announcements, his funeral prayer will be held at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque after the Asr prayer. 

In addition, King Salman bin Abdulaziz has directed that absentee funeral prayers (Salat al-Gha’ib) be offered for the late Grand Mufti at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and in all mosques across the Kingdom after Asr.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, head of the Council of Senior Scholars, and President of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta. 

He was the third Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, following Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz.

Born on November 30, 1943, in Makkah, Sheikh Abdulaziz lost his father before the age of eight. Despite his early hardships, he memorised the Holy Qur’an at a young age and later lost his eyesight in his twenties. 

His dedication to religious learning led him to pursue higher studies in Shariah, and he went on to serve in various scholarly councils and as the imam and khateeb of Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. He also delivered important sermons at Masjid Namirah during Hajj.

Throughout his career, Sheikh Abdulaziz authored numerous scholarly works on Islamic jurisprudence, faith, and matters of halal and haram. 

His contributions included collections of fatwas, research writings, and guidance on key religious issues, which were widely followed across the Muslim world.

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended their deepest condolences to the family of the late Grand Mufti, the Saudi people, and Muslims worldwide.