With hearts filled with sorrow and submission to the decree of Allah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the global Islamic community bid farewell to Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh (1362 AH / 1943 CE – 1447 AH / 2025 CE), the revered Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and President of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta.
Appointed as the third Grand Mufti of the Kingdom in 1420 AH / 1999 CE, succeeding Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz, Sheikh Al-Sheikh devoted his life to serving Islam and the Ummah until his passing on 1 Rabiʿ al-Thani 1447 AH / 23 September 2025 CE.
Early Life and Education
Born on 3 Dhul-Hijjah 1362 AH / 30 November 1943 CE in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Sheikh Abdulaziz grew up an orphan after losing his father at the age of eight. He memorized the Qur’an under Sheikh Muhammad bin Sinan and pursued Sharia studies with the former Grand Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh. Despite losing his eyesight in his twenties, he persevered in seeking knowledge and guidance.
He later studied under eminent scholars including Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Murshid, and Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Shathri. In 1384 AH / 1965 CE, he graduated from the College of Sharia at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh.
Scholarly and Teaching Career
Sheikh Abdulaziz began his career as a teacher at Imam al-Da’wah Institute in Riyadh and became a professor at the College of Sharia and the Higher Institute of Judiciary. He supervised theses at Imam University and Umm al-Qura University, mentoring generations of students and scholars.
As a khatib, he delivered sermons in many mosques, most prominently at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh and as a renowned khatib at Masjid Namirah in Arafat, where his Hajj sermons resonated across the Islamic world.
Key Positions and Contributions
- Member of the Council of Senior Scholars (1407 AH / 1987 CE)
- Deputy Grand Mufti (1416 AH / 1995 CE)
- Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, President of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars (1420 AH / 1999 CE – 2025 CE)
He became a trusted voice of guidance, issuing fatwas on creed, worship, and contemporary issues, notably through the famous radio program Nur ʿala al-Darb. His works include The Book of Allah and Its Great Status, The Reality of the Testimony that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and The Compendium of Arafat Sermons, along with numerous fatwa collections on belief, purification, prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj.
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh’s voice echoed from the pulpits of Arafat, guiding millions of pilgrims with messages of faith and unity. His lifelong dedication to teaching, issuing fatwas, and serving Islam remains an enduring legacy across the Muslim world.
May Allah envelop him in His vast mercy, accept his deeds, elevate his rank in Jannah, and reward him for his service to Islam and the Muslims. إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون.
