Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his condolences on the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Head of the Council of Senior Scholars. The prominent Islamic scholar passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82.

In a message on X, PM Modi wrote, “Deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom and its people in this moment of grief.”

The Saudi Royal Court confirmed his death in a statement released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). It recalled his leadership roles, including guiding the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta and serving on the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League.

Born in Makkah in 1943, Sheikh Abdulaziz memorised the Quran early in life despite being orphaned at the age of seven. He lost his eyesight in his twenties but pursued advanced Sharia studies, later serving in academic councils before being appointed as Grand Mufti in 1999. For over two decades, he shaped Saudi Arabia’s religious jurisprudence, issuing fatwas and guiding Islamic thought.

His funeral prayer will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after Asr prayer. By royal directive, absentee funeral prayers will also be offered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and in mosques across the Kingdom.

The Royal Court described him as a devoted scholar who dedicated his life to Islam, leaving a lasting legacy in Islamic scholarship.