By Muhammad Mamman
Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, has died at the age of 82, the Royal Court announced on Tuesday, marking the end of an era in the Kingdom’s religious leadership.
Appointed in 1999, Al-Sheikh was the country’s highest religious authority for over two decades, issuing fatwas and shaping Islamic discourse in one of the world’s most influential Muslim nations.
“The Kingdom and the Muslim world have lost a distinguished scholar who rendered immense service to Islam and Muslims,” the Royal Court said in its statement.
Funeral prayers were scheduled for later on Tuesday in Riyadh and across mosques in the Kingdom.
Known for his conservative rulings, Al-Sheikh often opposed reforms — from women working in shops to cinemas and concerts — even as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pushed for “moderate Islam” and eased long-standing restrictions.
Despite his stance, he sometimes lent support to gradual change, praising King Abdullah’s decision to allow women into politics and public life.
