Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh dies at 82

The Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has announced the death of the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, at the age of 82.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued directives for offering Salat al-Ghaib (funeral prayers in absentia) for the late scholar after the Asr prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and mosques throughout the Kingdom.

In Riyadh, funeral prayers will be held today at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque following the Asr prayer.

It is with deep sadness and sorrow we share the news of the death of His Excellency Grand Mufti of the Kingdom Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh

انا لله وانا اليه راجعون pic.twitter.com/grYDo5xe7U

— Inside the Haramain (@insharifain) September 23, 2025

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh was serving as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and head of the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta, with the rank of minister. He was the Kingdom’s third Grand Mufti, succeeding Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Shaikh and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz.

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Born on November 30, 1943, in Mecca, Sheikh Abdulaziz lost his father at the age of seven. He memorized the Holy Quran at a young age and, despite losing his sight in his twenties, went on to pursue higher studies in Sharia. He later became a member of university academic councils and served as preacher at Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque as well as at Nimrah Mosque during the Hajj.

Over the course of his career, Sheikh Abdulaziz authored several works in the field of Islamic jurisprudence, including collections of fatwas, writings on Islamic creed, and studies on lawful and prohibited matters. His scholarly legacy also includes compilations of fatwas delivered on different occasions and through various religious programs.