The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in mourning following the death of the Grand Mufti and Head of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday, September 23, at the age of 82. His leadership and guidance left an indelible mark on Islamic scholarship and the Muslim community worldwide.

The Royal Court confirmed his passing in an official statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlighting Sheikh Abdulaziz's pivotal roles, including his leadership of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League. His contributions helped shape religious thought and jurisprudence in Saudi Arabia for decades.

Sheikh Abdulaziz's funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh following the Asr prayer. By royal decree, prayers in absentia will also be conducted at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, and across mosques throughout the Kingdom, allowing citizens and pilgrims alike to honor his memory.

The Royal Court lauded Sheikh Abdulaziz as a scholar who dedicated his life to Islam, emphasizing his tireless efforts in guiding Muslims and nurturing generations of religious scholars. His work has left a profound and enduring influence on the study and practice of Islamic jurisprudence.

Condolences poured in from the highest levels of leadership, including Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They expressed heartfelt sympathy to his family, the people of Saudi Arabia, and the global Muslim community.

Born on November 30, 1943, in Makkah, Sheikh Abdulaziz faced early adversity, becoming orphaned at age seven. Despite losing his sight in his twenties, he memorized the Qur'an at a young age and pursued advanced religious studies, later serving on academic councils across Saudi universities.

Appointed Grand Mufti in 1999, Sheikh Abdulaziz emerged as the Kingdom's highest religious authority, shaping Islamic jurisprudence and issuing rulings that guided Saudi society for over two decades. His legacy endures as a beacon of faith, scholarship, and devotion.

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