The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, has passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by the Saudi News Agency today. The funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh later in the day.
The nation is in mourning for its esteemed religious figure, with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordering a special prayer in his honor at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, and all mosques nationwide. The Crown Prince has also expressed his condolences. Al-Sheikh, who held the title of minister, was not only the Grand Mufti but also chaired the General Presidency of Islamic Research and Ifta, as well as led the Council of Senior Scholars.
Coming from the Al ash-Sheikh family, Abdulaziz Al Sheikh took on significant roles in religious leadership throughout his career. In 1970, he assumed a leadership position at the Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Mosque in Dukhna, Riyadh, and later became an assistant professor at the College of Sharia in Mecca. He is the third Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, succeeding Muhammad Bin Ibrahim Al al-Sheikh and Abdulaziz Bin Baz.
Ten years ago, Al Sheikh issued a ruling that deemed chess impermissible in Islam due to its association with gambling and fostering animosity among players. Despite facing challenges like losing his father at a young age and later losing his eyesight in his twenties, he persevered in his Sharia studies and emerged as a highly respected figure in academic circles.
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