Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed on Tuesday that a major Riyadh thoroughfare be renamed for Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, who served as Saudi Arabia's grand mufti before his death on Sept. 23. The Saudi Press Agency reported the decision recognizes his scholarly achievements, his service to the nation, and his influence on Islam and Muslims worldwide. The directive honors his dedication to Islamic jurisprudence, his religious guidance, and his substantial impact on Islamic education and scholarship.
Al-Asheikh assumed the position of grand mufti in June 1999, becoming the kingdom's top religious authority responsible for interpreting Shariah and issuing fatwas on legal and social questions. His tenure marked a transformative period for Saudi Arabia's religious establishment as he adapted traditional Islamic scholarship to contemporary state requirements while maintaining Shariah foundations in legal and financial rulings. He simultaneously led the Council of Senior Scholars, headed the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and chaired the Muslim World League's Supreme Council.
Al-Asheikh assumed the position of grand mufti in June 1999, becoming the kingdom's top religious authority responsible for interpreting Shariah and issuing fatwas on legal and social questions. His tenure marked a transformative period for Saudi Arabia's religious establishment as he adapted traditional Islamic scholarship to contemporary state requirements while maintaining Shariah foundations in legal and financial rulings. He simultaneously led the Council of Senior Scholars, headed the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and chaired the Muslim World League's Supreme Council.
