Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, head of the Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, has sent his condolences to the royal family of Saudi Arabia: the Muslim world was saddened today by the grave news that the King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud died at the age of ninety.

On behalf of Russia Muftis Council, Spiritual Administration of Muslims of European Russia and me personally, I want to express my deepest condolences to the royal family of Saudi Arabia, Saudi people and all people who revered the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, late king Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Our brother and his majesty Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who left our world overnight into blessed Friday, was known as a talented diplomat and a ruler devoted to his nation.

We share the pain over the loss with the family and the close ones of the late monarch and pray that Almighty Allah be merciful to him. Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him is our return!

Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin
Chairman of Russia Muftis Council
Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation

According to the information from the Arabic media, the King was suffering from pneumonia and receiving treatment in hospital. King Abdullah ascended to the throne in August of 2005. His declared successor Salman Al Saud is 79 years old. Both brothers as well as the previous head of the Saudi state King Fahd were the sons of Abdulaziz Al Saud who founded modern Saudi Arabia.

And may Almighty Allah welcome the soul of the late monarch and show His mercy on him! And may Allah protect our Ummah, and may He preserve peace!