Iraq Declares Three Days of National Mourning After Ayatollah Fayyaz's Death

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's government declared three days of national mourning following the death of Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyaz, Prime Minister Ali Falih Zeydi said Thursday. Zeydi said Fayyaz was one of the leading scholars of jurisprudence and Islamic jurisprudence in the Islamic world. The prime minister added that Fayyaz made significant contributions to strengthening Najaf's religious authority and played a decisive role in fostering unity among Muslims. Fayyaz died after a long illness. His office said he dedicated his life to Islam, teaching, and spreading the knowledge of the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet Muhammad. He was considered one of the prominent figures of the Najaf religious establishment. Zeydi extended his condolences to Iraq's top religious office, the Iraqi people, and Muslims worldwide.