Saudi Arabia has been thrown into mourning following the death of its top religious authority, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82.
The Royal Court confirmed his passing in a statement that described him as “a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions in the service of Islam and Muslims worldwide.”
Al-Sheikh served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving holders of the office.
The position, regarded as the highest authority on religious law in the kingdom, carries influence not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Muslim world, given the country’s role as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina.
Funeral prayers for the late cleric were held in the capital, Riyadh, and across mosques throughout the kingdom, with top leaders, religious scholars, and ordinary citizens paying their respects.
His death marks the end of an era in Saudi religious leadership, particularly at a time when the kingdom is undergoing sweeping social and economic changes under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
During his tenure, Sheikh Abdulaziz was known for his deeply conservative interpretations of Islamic law, often reflecting the Wahhabi tradition that shaped Saudi Arabia’s religious foundation.
At times, his positions drew criticism both domestically and internationally.
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For instance, in 2011, he opposed employing women in shops, describing it as “a crime and disrespectful.” In 2016, he declared chess “forbidden” in Islam, arguing that it wasted time and caused enmity among people.
Similarly, in 2017, he spoke against cinemas and concerts, labeling them harmful and corrupting.
Yet, despite his conservative leanings, the Grand Mufti occasionally aligned with reformist moves.
He publicly supported King Abdullah’s decision to allow women to participate in municipal elections and to take seats in the consultative Shura Council, a significant milestone in the kingdom’s history.
His tenure coincided with one of the most dramatic periods in Saudi Arabia’s evolution, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought to promote what he called “moderate Islam.”
This agenda has seen restrictions eased on entertainment, women’s participation in the workforce, and foreign investment.
While these reforms reduced the direct power of the clerical establishment, Al-Sheikh remained a respected figure whose religious rulings carried considerable weight.
Internationally, Sheikh Abdulaziz was recognized as one of the leading voices in Islamic jurisprudence.
His fatwas and interpretations were often cited in debates across Muslim-majority countries, though they also sparked controversy for their strictness.
With his passing, attention now turns to who will succeed him in the powerful role of Grand Mufti.
For now, the kingdom and the broader Muslim community remember Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh as a towering figure whose legacy straddled conservatism and the challenge of adapting to change.
NAN
