In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return.
The great scholarly and religious community of the Islamic world, along with the illustrious seminary of Najaf Ashraf, has lost one of its most distinguished scholars and influential religious authorities. A radiant light from the gathering of jurisprudence, knowledge, and spirituality has been extinguished.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan expresses its deepest sorrow and grief over the passing of Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Ishaq Fayyadh (may Allah have mercy upon him), an eminent Marja of Emulation and one of the foremost scholarly pillars of the Najaf seminary. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the noble people of Afghanistan, the Islamic community, and all admirers and followers of this esteemed scholar.
This distinguished scholar, who emerged from a faithful and humble family in the Jaghori district of Ghazni Province, traveled to Najaf Ashraf with a firm determination to acquire Islamic knowledge. Through extraordinary diligence, brilliance, and perseverance, he attained the highest levels of scholarship and ijtihad. For many years, he benefited from the teachings of renowned scholars of the seminary, including Grand Ayatollahs Sayyid Mohsin al-Hakim, Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, Sayyid Mahmoud Shahroudi, and Sheikh Hussein al-Hilli, eventually becoming one of the most prominent contemporary scholars and jurists in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence and legal theory.
Throughout decades of teaching, research, and authorship, Grand Ayatollah Fayyadh rendered invaluable services to Islamic knowledge and the School of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). He left behind a rich legacy of scholarly works in Islamic jurisprudence, legal principles, and contemporary Islamic issues. His jurisprudential and scholarly views on many emerging and important matters facing Muslim societies were highly regarded in academic and religious circles.
Following the passing of his esteemed teacher, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, he assumed the weighty responsibility of religious leadership and authority. Alongside other leading Maraji of Najaf Ashraf, he played a significant role in religious guidance, the education of students of Islamic sciences, and the preservation of the seminary’s scholarly heritage. He enjoyed immense respect and a distinguished status among Muslims, particularly among followers of the School of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) across various countries.
In addition to his scholarly and religious activities, the late Marja consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility toward the hardships and needs of the people of Afghanistan. During the difficult years of war, poverty, and humanitarian crises, he provided valuable assistance and support to vulnerable individuals and affected families through charitable institutions affiliated with his office.
The Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan extends its sincere condolences on this great loss to His Eminence Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), the Grand Maraji of Emulation, the Seminary of Najaf Ashraf, scholars, students, followers, and admirers of the late Marja, especially to his respected family and his honorable son, Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen Sheikh Mahmoud Fayyadh. We consider ourselves partners in this profound sorrow.
We pray to Almighty Allah to bestow His vast mercy upon this distinguished jurist and devoted servant of Islam, to elevate his ranks, and to grant him companionship with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Pure Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). We also pray for patience, perseverance, and abundant reward for his family, students, and admirers.