Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and one of the Kingdom’s most influential Islamic scholars, has passed away at the age of 82.
The Royal Court announced his death on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, marking the end of a distinguished era in Saudi religious leadership.
Born on November 30, 1943, in Mecca, Sheikh Abdulaziz was a member of the renowned Al ash-Sheikh family.
He memorized the Qur’an at a young age and studied under prominent Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al ash-Sheikh and Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz.
Despite losing his sight in his twenties, he continued his studies and became widely respected for his knowledge in Sharia law and Islamic jurisprudence.
In 1999, Sheikh Abdulaziz was appointed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz.
He also served as the head of the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, significantly influencing Islamic scholarship in the Kingdom and across the Gulf region.
During his tenure, Sheikh Abdulaziz issued numerous fatwas, contributed to Islamic education, and worked to promote unity and adherence to Sharia principles.
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His scholarly works have left a lasting impact on students, religious institutions, and the global Muslim community.
The funeral prayer was held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer on the same day.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended, offering condolences to the Sheikh’s family, the people of Saudi Arabia, and Muslims worldwide.
In recognition of his contributions, absentee funeral prayers were ordered at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and in mosques throughout the Kingdom.
Sheikh Abdulaziz’s death is widely regarded as a profound loss for Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world, closing a chapter on one of the most influential religious figures of his generation.