Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh – Biography, Life, Career & Death
Introduction
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh (Arabic: عبد العزيز بن عبد الله آل الشيخ) was the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and one of the most influential Islamic scholars in the modern era.
Known globally as Mufti-e-Azam of Saudi Arabia, he was recognized for his leadership in issuing Islamic rulings (fatwas), his long service as head of the Council of Senior Scholars, and his guidance to Muslims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
He passed away on 23 September 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Islamic jurisprudence and religious leadership.
Death of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh
The death of Sheikh Abdul Aziz marked the end of an era in Saudi religious authority.
Official announcements confirmed that he died on 23 September 2025, at the age of 84. His passing was widely mourned across Saudi Arabia and the broader Muslim world.
Condolences poured in from global leaders, Islamic institutions, and ordinary citizens who had followed his sermons and rulings for decades.
Funeral prayers were held in Riyadh, attended by senior members of the Saudi royal family, government officials, scholars, and thousands of citizens.
Biography & Early Life
🔵 Full Name: Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh
🔵 Date of Birth: 30 November 1940 (some sources mention 1943)
🔵 Place of Birth: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
🔵 Lineage: Belonged to the respected Al ash-Sheikh family, descendants of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, the 18th-century reformer and founder of the Wahhabi movement.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz lost his eyesight at a young age due to congenital glaucoma, but this did not stop him from excelling in Quranic memorization and Islamic studies.
Education
Sheikh Abdul Aziz began memorizing the Quran in childhood.
He later enrolled in Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, where he studied Sharia (Islamic law) and specialized in Islamic jurisprudence.
Key highlights of his education:
🔵 Memorized the Holy Quran in his youth
🔵 Studied under leading Saudi scholars
🔵 Gained formal degrees in Islamic law and Sharia studies
🔵 Developed expertise in issuing fatwas and scholarly research
His education formed the foundation of his career, enabling him to serve in both academic and religious leadership positions.
Career and Leadership
Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s career spanned several decades, during which he rose to the highest religious position in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Early Career
🔵 Served as a teacher and lecturer at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
🔵 Preached regularly in mosques across Riyadh
🔵 Wrote and supervised scholarly research in Islamic jurisprudence
Appointment as Grand Mufti
In 1999, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh was appointed as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, succeeding Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz.
Key Roles
🔵 Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (1999–2025)
🔵 Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars
🔵 Chairman of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta
🔵 Delivered the annual Hajj sermon at Masjid Namirah in Arafat for 36 consecutive years
Career Highlights
🔵 Issued thousands of fatwas guiding Muslims on matters of Sharia, society, and modern issues
🔵 Advised the Saudi government on religious and social matters
🔵 Condemned terrorism and extremist ideologies, emphasizing moderation in Islam
City & Residence
Sheikh Abdul Aziz was born in Mecca but spent much of his career and official life in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
His residence and office were closely tied to the Grand Mufti’s official duties within Riyadh.
Family, Wife & Children
Sheikh Abdul Aziz came from the historically significant Al ash-Sheikh family, long associated with religious leadership in Saudi Arabia.
🔵 Wife: Information about his wife remains private, in line with Saudi cultural norms
🔵 Children: Public details are limited, but it is known that he had children, and some family members continue religious and scholarly traditions
🔵 Family Background: The Al ash-Sheikh family has provided religious leaders for Saudi Arabia for generations, maintaining a strong link between the Saudi royal family and the religious establishment
Awards & Achievements
Although Sheikh Abdul Aziz rarely sought public recognition, his work was acknowledged both nationally and internationally:
🔵 Recognized as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by The Muslim 500
🔵 Honored within Saudi Arabia for his decades of service in guiding Islamic law and issuing authoritative fatwas
🔵 Acknowledged globally for his sermons during Hajj, which reached millions of Muslims annually
Scandals & Controversies
As Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz was often at the center of public debate:
🔵 Social Media Remarks: He once described Twitter as “the source of all evil and devastation,” sparking wide debate internationally.
🔵 Extremism: At the same time, he was outspoken in condemning terrorism, radical groups, and misuse of Islam by extremists
Contact Details & Social Media
As a senior religious authority, Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s personal contact details were never public. However:
🔵 His official office (Fatwa Office in Riyadh) handled public inquiries and religious rulings
🔵 Some of his sermons and statements were shared via Saudi government websites and state TV channels
🔵 He himself was not directly active on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram
Legacy
Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh will be remembered as one of the longest-serving and most influential Grand Muftis of Saudi Arabia.
His decades of service shaped Saudi religious policies, influenced global Islamic thought, and provided guidance to millions of Muslims worldwide.
His death in September 2025 ended a long chapter of religious leadership, but his rulings, teachings, and legacy continue through the institutions he led.
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