Saudi Crown Prince renamed Riyadh street to commemorate Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh’s lasting legacy/Image: SPA

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered a major street in Riyadh to be named after the late Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, recognizing his lifelong dedication to Islamic scholarship, jurisprudence, and service to Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim community. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, directed the renaming of a prominent street in Riyadh to honor the late Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh. This gesture is a tribute to Sheikh Abdulaziz’s remarkable scholarly stature and his extensive contributions to the nation, Islam, and Muslims worldwide.Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh devoted his entire life to the pursuit and teaching of Islamic jurisprudence. His role went beyond academia; he provided guidance to individuals on religious and social matters, strengthening the role of Islamic scholarship and education within the Kingdom. He was highly respected for blending traditional Islamic principles with the evolving needs of modern society, ensuring that religious rulings remained relevant and practical.Appointed as the Grand Mufti—the highest religious authority in Saudi Arabia—in June 1999, Sheikh Abdulaziz was responsible for interpreting Shariah law and issuing fatwas on various legal and societal issues. Under his leadership, the religious establishment underwent significant development, aligning classical Islamic scholarship with contemporary state requirements. His approach helped shape fatwas that addressed new challenges in legal, financial, and social spheres while remaining firmly rooted in established Islamic law.Beyond his role as Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz held several key positions, including chairmanship of the Council of Senior Scholars, presidency of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and leadership within the Muslim World League’s Supreme Council. These roles allowed him to influence Islamic scholarship on a national and international scale.Sheikh Abdulaziz passed away in Riyadh on September 23, 2025. His death marked the end of an era for Saudi Arabia’s religious leadership. The renaming of a main street in Riyadh serves as a lasting tribute to his legacy, honoring his lifelong dedication to advancing Islamic jurisprudence, education, and guidance for Muslims both within Saudi Arabia and across the world.