Saudi Arabia Announces Passing of Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Country's Top Religious Leader

Saudi Arabia Announces Passing of Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Country's Top Religious Leader

  • Saudi Arabia has confirmed the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, a towering figure who served as the Kingdom’s highest religious authority and shaped Islamic jurisprudence for decades
  • The announcement, delivered with “deep sadness and sorrow,” marks the passing of a man whose influence extended across the Islamic world and whose leadership guided the nation’s religious institutions
  • Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh’s legacy as Grand Mufti leaves an indelible mark on Saudi Arabia’s religious landscape, with tributes pouring in from scholars, officials, and citizens mourning his loss

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the death of its Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, marking the end of an era for one of the Kingdom’s most prominent religious figures.

In a statement released by the authorities, the Kingdom expressed its profound grief, saying:

Saudi Arabia mourns the death of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the Kingdom’s highest Islamic authority.
Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia’s top religious leader, passes away after decades of service. Photo credit: Insharifain/X
Source: Twitter

“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.”

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The Grand Mufti, who held the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia, was widely regarded for his influential role in shaping Islamic jurisprudence and guiding religious discourse across the nation.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from religious scholars, government officials, and citizens alike.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh served as a central figure in the Saudi religious establishment, often consulted on matters of national importance and Islamic law.

His leadership within the Council of Senior Scholars and his stewardship of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta positioned him as a key voice in the Kingdom’s religious affairs.

The announcement of his death has reverberated across the Islamic world, with tributes highlighting his decades-long dedication to religious scholarship and service to the Kingdom. Further details regarding funeral arrangements and official commemorations are expected to follow.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, revered Grand Mufti and Islamic scholar.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirms the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, revered Grand Mufti and Islamic scholar. Photo credit: Wirestock/GettyImages
Source: Getty Images

What is Saudi Arabia known for?

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the largest country in the Middle East, occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula.

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It is renowned as the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Governed by a monarchy, the nation plays a pivotal role in global energy markets due to its vast oil reserves. Riyadh serves as the capital and political centre.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has embarked on ambitious reforms under Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and modernise society while maintaining its deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions.

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The ministry encouraged interested and eligible candidates to visit the official OIC portal for detailed requirements and submission guidelines. Completed applications are to be forwarded to vacancy@oic-oci.org on or before 14 September 2025.

The OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental body after the United Nations, with a mandate to safeguard the interests of member states across social, political, and economic spheres.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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