• Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh passed away at 82, announced by Saudi Royal Court.
• He had a pivotal role in shaping Islamic discourse in Saudi Arabia since his appointment in 1999.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended funeral prayers in Riyadh.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, the esteemed Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, has passed away at the age of 82, as confirmed by the Saudi Royal Court. His death, announced on September 23, 2025, signifies the end of an era in religious leadership within the kingdom. Al-Sheikh was a prominent Islamic scholar who dedicated his life to religious education and legal interpretation within the Islamic context according to Indiatimes and Dawn.

Throughout his tenure, which began in 1999, Sheikh Abdulaziz became known for his adherence to Islamic jurisprudence while also addressing contemporary issues faced by the Muslim world. He worked tirelessly to promote unity among various Islamic sects and was highly influential across the Gulf region. His contributions were acknowledged not only within Saudi Arabia but also resonated internationally, with condolences from global leaders, including the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Shawky Allam, reflecting his wide respect in the Islamic community according to Dawn and TRT Global.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman extended their condolences following the announcement of the mufti’s death. The Royal Court emphasized that with his passing, both the kingdom and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar whose insights have significantly influenced the service of Islam. Funeral prayers were scheduled at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh and across notable mosques throughout the kingdom, reflecting his profound impact according to Dawn, Indiatimes, and TRT Global.

Sheikh Abdulaziz, who lost his sight at a young age, served as a vital religious figure during a period of significant social changes in Saudi Arabia, including the recent push towards modernization. His leadership in rejecting extremist ideologies, particularly those linked to groups like Daesh and Al-Qaeda, was pivotal during a time of great transformation for the kingdom, reinforcing his importance as a voice of moderation and unity within the Islamic world according to TRT Global and Dawn.