Australia’s most senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi has died.
Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Azeem al-Afifi, who died in a Melbourne hospital before dawn on Wednesday, is being remembered as a “great catalyst” who brought people together.
“Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi has dedicated himself to serving the Australian Muslim Community for over 20 years,” the Australian National Imams Council said in a statement.
“Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi had been widely recognised and respected by the Australian Muslim community and the wider Australian society.”
The sheikh, a founding member of the council, was only elected as Grand Mufti in March.
He had been ill for some time.
Australian Multicultural Foundation executive director Hass Dellal said the Grand Mufti was a “great person” with his youth work and promotion of Australian Muslims’ contributions to leave “a lasting legacy”.
“He was really a very genuine person and was really respected by many Muslims and the wider Australian community. It [his death] was a shock even though we had known he was ill,” Dr Dellal OAM said.
“He will be sorely missed not just by Australian Muslims. He was a great catalyst and brought people together and that was his real strength.”
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott tweeted: “My condolences to the family of his Eminence the Grand Mufti of Australia Sheikh Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi and Muslim community. May he rest in peace”.
The council executive committee will act in the role of Mufti of Australia until a meeting is held within 15 days to determine a new leader.
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said the Grand Mufti’s tenure had been “regrettably brief”, but that he had provided strong leadership and spiritual guidance to many.
[source: The Age]
