Lessons From The Death Of The Grand Mufti Of Saudi Arabi

 Lessons from the Death of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, His Eminence Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh

The news of the passing of one of the most prominent scholars of our time, the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has struck the Muslim world deeply. Until his death, he served as a guiding light of knowledge and a beacon of the Sunnah.

From his death, we can take several lessons, beautifully highlighted in Ashaykh Dr Sharoffuddeen Gbadebo Raji and Ashaykh Professor Abdrasaq Alaro’s tributes to him:

1. Death is inevitable. Just days ago, when we mentioned him, we would say “ḥafiẓahullāh” (may Allah preserve him). Now, we say “raḥimahullāh” (may Allah have mercy on him). Death changes everything in an instant. Indeed, it can strike any of us at any time. The question remains: are we preparing for it?

2. Attachment to the Qur’an. Shaykh Abdul Aziz used to complete the recitation of the entire Qur’an every three days. Subḥānallāh! How many of us have not even completed the Qur’an once in three years? His dedication should remind us of the endless blessings of reciting and reflecting upon Allah’s Book.

3. Accessibility and humility despite authority. Despite being blind, the Shaykh discharged his responsibilities with full dedication. He was humble, approachable, and hospitable. Dr. Sharafudeen Gbadebo Raji narrated how, when he and a friend visited him in his office around 2004, the Shaykh received them warmly, addressed them by their names in friendly manner, gave them several valuable books, and even took down their contact numbers. This is a powerful lesson for all in positions of authority: leadership is about service, humility, and accessibility not arrogance.

4. Respecting other scholars even with differences. For roughly thirty years, Shaykh Abdul Aziz was the one who delivered the khutbah on the Day of ‘Arafah, meaning he performed Hajj every year. On many occasions, he made the intention to perform Hajj or ‘Umrah on behalf of deceased scholars not only those he admired, but even those he differed with in opinion. This is a profound lesson: intellectual disagreement should never erase the bond of brotherhood. We remain one Ummah, tied by faith and mutual respect.

Shaykh Abdul Aziz is no more, and like all of us, he will be judged based on his deeds. What remains are the good works he left behind and the countless lives he touched.

Let us reflect: What will people say about us when our time comes? Will they remember us for goodness, humility, and service or something else?

May Allah forgive Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh, illuminate his grave, raise his rank among the righteous, and grant him Jannatul-Firdaws. And may Allah forgive all deceased Muslims and grant us the tawfīq to leave behind a legacy of righteousness.

PS: Don't forget to recite Suratul Khaf today. BaarakaLlah feekum!