PM mourns Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh’s passing

The Government of India and its people have expressed their deepest condolences on the passing of His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed AlSheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a heartfelt message, noting the influential role of the Grand Mufti as a respected religious scholar and spiritual guide for millions across the Islamic world.

The news of his passing has been received with grief by leaders, scholars, and ordinary people worldwide. Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh was regarded as a towering figure in Islamic jurisprudence and spiritual leadership, and his legacy is expected to live on for generations.

Who Was Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh?

Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, the highest religious authority in the Kingdom. Born in Riyadh, he belonged to the family of scholars descended from Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the 18th-century scholar who founded the Wahhabi school of thought.

From a young age, Sheikh Abdulaziz dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, memorizing the Qur’an, studying Hadith, and becoming a recognized jurist. He was appointed as the Grand Mufti in 1999 and remained in this position for more than two decades. As Grand Mufti, he led the Council of Senior Scholars, the highest religious body in Saudi Arabia, and also chaired the Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta.

His Role in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic World

Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh was known for his detailed knowledge of Islamic law and his commitment to guiding the Muslim community on issues of faith, society, and governance. His fatwas (religious rulings) carried great authority, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in Muslim communities around the globe.

He regularly delivered Friday sermons in Riyadh’s Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque and was often consulted by both government and religious authorities on matters related to Shariah law. His guidance extended to everyday questions of faith as well as complex issues such as finance, modern technology, and social challenges in a rapidly changing world.

The Grand Mufti was also a bridge between tradition and modernity, balancing the preservation of Islamic values with the realities of globalization. His words shaped the religious discourse of Saudi Arabia and influenced Islamic thinking in countries far beyond.

Prime Minister Modi’s Message of Condolence

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the passing of the Grand Mufti, describing him as a figure of wisdom, guidance, and moral strength. Modi noted that Sheikh Abdulaziz’s teachings had touched countless lives and that his scholarship had contributed to global understanding of Islam.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the close relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, pointing out that millions of Indian citizens live and work in the Kingdom. Many of them were inspired by the Grand Mufti’s leadership and benefited from his spiritual guidance during their stay.

India, home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, has historically shared cultural, spiritual, and people-to-people connections with Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister’s statement of condolence reflects not only respect for the Grand Mufti as a leader but also India’s recognition of its special relationship with the Kingdom.

Global Reactions to the Grand Mufti’s Passing

Reactions to Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh’s passing have poured in from leaders and scholars across the Islamic world and beyond. Governments, religious councils, and international organizations have expressed sorrow and paid tribute to his scholarship.

In Saudi Arabia, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described his death as a great loss to the Muslim Ummah. Messages of condolence have also come from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Al-Azhar University in Egypt, and leading religious scholars in Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and other Muslim-majority nations.

The Grand Mufti’s death has also been noted by interfaith leaders, who praised his role in promoting dialogue and providing religious guidance at a time when the world is grappling with issues of faith and coexistence.

His Legacy and Teachings

Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh will be remembered as one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the modern era. His teachings emphasized obedience to God, moral discipline, and the importance of unity among Muslims. He also advocated respect for governance and stability, often calling for moderation and discouraging extremism.

His fatwas covered a wide range of topics, from prayer and fasting to ethical conduct in business and family life. He sought to apply Islamic principles to new challenges such as digital media, medical advancements, and economic reforms.

For young students of Islam, his career serves as a model of lifelong dedication to scholarship. Many of his lectures and rulings are preserved in written collections, and they continue to be studied in religious institutions.

India–Saudi Arabia Relations in Context

The condolence message by Prime Minister Modi also reflects the depth of India–Saudi ties. Relations between the two nations have grown significantly in recent years, spanning trade, energy, culture, and security cooperation. Religious and cultural exchanges have been a vital part of this relationship, particularly through the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which sees thousands of Indian pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia each year.

Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh’s position as Grand Mufti placed him at the heart of religious affairs in the Kingdom, including oversight of the Hajj. His guidance indirectly touched the lives of millions of Indian pilgrims who journeyed to Mecca and Medina.

Thus, his passing carries not just religious significance but also emotional weight for many Indian families with connections to Saudi Arabia.

Looking Ahead

As Saudi Arabia mourns the loss of its Grand Mufti, discussions have already begun about his successor. The appointment of a new Grand Mufti will be an important moment for the Kingdom, as this figure will play a central role in shaping the religious and spiritual life of the nation.

For now, however, tributes continue to pour in for Sheikh Abdulaziz AlSheikh. His passing is a reminder of the global influence of religious scholars and the ways in which their words and leadership can touch lives across borders.