The Council of Shia Scholars of North America mourns the demise of one of its…
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, the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America received the news of the passing of the great religious authority (Marja'), the sublime scholar, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Shaykh Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyad (may Allah the Almighty be pleased with him). On this sorrowful occasion, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to our Master, the Authority of our era and time, Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah Almighty hasten his reappearance), and to the Supreme Religious Authority (Marja'iyyah) in Najaf al-Ashraf and all other Islamic seminaries, as well as to his son, Hujjat al-Islam Shaykh Mahmoud al-Fayyad, his noble family, eminent students, followers (muqallideen), loved ones, and to all believers across the world.
He has returned to his Lord after a long life dedicated to the service of Islam, the dissemination of the sciences of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), the cultivation of generations of scholars and virtuous students, and the fulfillment of his religious, academic, and social responsibilities in the vicinity of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali, (peace be upon him) throughout his life. It is only befitting that he concluded his worldly journey and was called back to his Lord on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Ghadir.
The late departed marja’ was one of the most prominent disciples of Ayatollah Sayyid al-Khoei (may Allah have mercy on him), a major pillar of the blessed Islamic Seminary (Hawzah) in Najaf al-Ashraf, and one of the leading figures of jurisprudence (Fiqh) and independent juristic deduction (Ijtihad) in our era. He enriched the Islamic library with his foundational writings and rigorous academic research, and nurtured a vast multitude of Islamic students who drew from his knowledge, character, and blessed life path.
Shaykh al-Fayyad (may Allah have mercy on him) was also renowned for his asceticism, humility, and piety, as well as his open-mindedness, excellent character, and steadfast adherence to principles. He stood as an exemplary model of the practicing scholar who seamlessly combined knowledge with piety, sagacity with the fear of God, and religious responsibility with service to the believers.
The passing of this monumental figure is a painful and tragic loss for the Islamic Seminary and the entire Islamic nation. With his departure, the Ummah loses a towering figure of knowledge and jurisprudence, a voice of wisdom and moderation, and a life journey rich with continuous devotion and academic striving.
We pray to Allah, the Most High, the Almighty, to encompass the blessed departed in His vast mercy, raise him alongside Prophet Muhammad and his pure family, elevate his status in the highest echelons of Paradise, reward him with the best of rewards on behalf of Islam and Muslims, and grant everyone patience and solace.
The Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America
18 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 | June 4, 2026