Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, has passed away at the age of 81. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirmed his death on Tuesday. He had been unwell for some time. Sheikh Abdulaziz was the highest religious authority in the Kingdom. His passing marks the end of a long and influential era in Saudi religious life.
Sheikh Abdulaziz served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, Saudi Arabia’s top religious body. He was widely respected across the Islamic world. His sermons and rulings shaped public thought and policy in Saudi Arabia. His guidance reached far beyond the Kingdom. Many Muslims followed his teachings for decades.
Born in 1943, Sheikh Abdulaziz devoted his entire life to religious service. He became known for delivering more Hajj sermons than any other cleric in history. Every year, he addressed millions of pilgrims in Makkah and Medina. His voice and words became a central part of the Hajj experience. He was a trusted figure for many generations.
Funeral prayers for Sheikh Abdulaziz will take place after Asr at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Saudi King Salman has ordered absentee prayers at major mosques across the Kingdom. These include the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Masjid-e-Nabwi in Medina, and all local mosques. The nation will mourn a spiritual leader who guided Saudi Arabia for decades.
Sheikh Abdulaziz leaves behind a powerful legacy of religious leadership. His wisdom, deep knowledge, and calm presence made him a key voice in Saudi society. He played a strong role in preserving Islamic traditions. His death is a great loss not just for Saudi Arabia but for the entire Muslim world.