Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti passes away

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, passed away on Tuesday, according to the announcement made by the Royal Saudi Court.

He was 82 years old.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz has directed that Salat al-Ghaib (funeral prayers in absentia) be offered for Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and mosques across the Kingdom after Asr prayers, according to official Saudi announcements.

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In addition, funeral prayers will take place today at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh had served 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 third Grand Mufti of the Kingdom, succeeding Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Shaikh and Sheikh.

PAKISTANI LEADERSHIP, ULEMA COUNCIL CONDOLENCES

Pakistan’s political and religious leadership has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his condolence message, said the passing of the Grand Mufti is a moment of grief for the Muslim Ummah.

He said the late cleric dedicated his entire life to the guidance of the Ummah and will always be remembered for his efforts to unite the Muslim world.

The Prime Minister added that the people and government of Pakistan share the grief of Saudi leadership and people in this difficult time.

Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, said the Grand Mufti always raised his voice for the supremacy of Islam and adopted a clear stance against terrorism. He noted that delivering the highest number of Hajj sermons was a unique distinction held by the late Grand Mufti.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the absence of Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh will be felt for a long time. She added that delivering the most Hajj sermons was a rare honour that history will always remember.