Radio Islam News | 08 Dhul Hijjah 1437/10 September 2016

For the first time since his appointment to Saudi Arabia’s top religious post in 1999, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al-Asheikh will not deliver the iconic Khutbah of Hajj at Masjid Namirah in Arafah.

The chairman of the Senior Scholars’ Commission and Ifta Council has declined the responsibility this year, reportedly due to ill health.

The Arafah Khutbah is one of the highlights of Hajj, and is beamed and broadcast annually to a live audience of millions worldwide.

It follows in the example of the Prophet Muhammad SAW who delivered numerous sermons during his Hajj, including a memorable one at Arafah.

Signs of ill health and slurred speech have been showing on the Grand Mufti during his sermons from recent years.

Quoting reliable sources, Okaz said on Saturday that the Mufti might probably be replaced by Sheikh Salih bin Humaid, member of the commission and imam of the Grand Mosque.

The sources also spoke about two other names who might be possible replacements. They are Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Salih Al-Asheikh and chairman of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais who is also an imam of the Grand Mosque.