Ayatollah al-Sistani’s Condolences on the Passing of Grand Ayatollah al-Fayyad 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
“Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will return.”
(Holy Qur’an 2:156)

With profound sadness and sorrow, I received the news of the passing of my chosen brother, the religious authority (Marja’), Ayatollah Shaykh Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyad (may Allah’s pleasure be upon him).

The great departed was one of the prominent figures of the Islamic Seminary (Hawzah) in Najaf al-Ashraf over the recent decades. He distinguished himself through his sincere efforts in the service of knowledge and its seekers—by way of authoring, teaching, and otherwise. Therefore, the loss of Shaykh al-Fayyad is a severe tragedy, and the void he leaves behind is vast and difficult to fill, except through the grace, care, and kindness of Allah Almighty.

As I offer my condolences in this immense tragedy to the Great Guardian, Imam al-Mahdi, (may our souls be sacrificed for him), to the Islamic Seminaries, to the family of the blessed departed, and to the believers generally, I ask Allah, the Most High, the Almighty, to elevate his status in Paradise, to resurrect him alongside his masters, Muhammad and his pure and immaculate family, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace.

There is no power nor strength except by Allah, the High, the Great.

Signature & Seal 
Ali al-Sistani 
18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH

Original Statement: