• Statements
• 18 Thul Hija 1447

Statement of Condolence on the Passing of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyadh (May Allah Sanctify His Noble Soul)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
"Who say, when afflicted with calamity: 'To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return" (Qur'an 2:156)

The Liaison Office of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani (may Allah prolong his blessed shadow), at the Imam Ali Foundation in London, has received with profound sadness and heartfelt sorrow the news of the passing of the eminent Marjaʿ, distinguished scholar, and revered jurist, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyadh (may Allah be pleased with him), who returned to his Lord after a lifetime devoted to the service of Islam, the preservation and dissemination of the teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), and the guidance of generations of scholars, students, and believers.
His Eminence was among the most distinguished disciples of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei (may Allah sanctify his soul) and a leading pillar of the blessed Hawza of Najaf al-Ashraf. Recognised as one of the foremost authorities in Islamic jurisprudence and legal theory of the contemporary era, he made enduring contributions to Islamic scholarship through his extensive writings, advanced research, and decades of dedicated teaching. Under his guidance, numerous students of religious sciences developed intellectually and spiritually, benefiting from both his profound knowledge and exemplary character.
Throughout his life, the late Marjaʿ was renowned for his humility, piety, asceticism, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to religious and moral principles. He exemplified the ideal of the scholar whose knowledge was inseparable from action, whose learning was accompanied by devotion, and whose leadership was marked by sincerity and service to the community.
The passing of such an eminent religious authority constitutes a significant loss for the Hawza of Najaf, the scholarly community, and the wider Muslim Ummah. His departure marks the loss of a distinguished voice of wisdom, moderation, scholarship, and guidance, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
On this solemn occasion, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to our Master, Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), to the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf al-Ashraf, to the respected seminaries and centres of learning throughout the world, to his son Sheikh Mahmoud al-Fayyadh, his esteemed family, his students, followers, admirers, and to believers everywhere who mourn this great loss.
We pray to Almighty Allah to encompass the departed scholar in His infinite mercy, to elevate his rank among His righteous servants, to unite him with Muhammad and the Pure Household (peace be upon them), and to reward him abundantly for his lifelong service to Islam and humanity. We also pray that Allah grants patience, strength, and solace to all those affected by this bereavement.
May Allah have mercy upon His faithful servant, grant him eternal residence in the highest gardens of Paradise, and accept all that he offered in the path of knowledge, faith, and service.

"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return."
Imam Ali Foundation (A.S.)
Liaison Office of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani (May Allah Prolong His Blessed Shadow)
18 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH
London, United Kingdom

Note: Details regarding the condolence gathering (Majlis al-Fātiḥah) to be held in honour of the late Grand Ayatollah at the Imam al-Khoei Centre in London will be announced in due course.