Iraq Declares Three Days of National Mourning After Grand Ayatollah al-Fayyad Dies at 96

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeidi declared three days of national mourning following the death of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq al-Fayyad, who died Thursday at age 96 in a Baghdad hospital. Al-Fayyad was one of four grand sources of emulation at the Najaf theological seminary, a position that places him among the highest religious authorities in Twelver Shia Islam. He had been hospitalized for treatment but could not be saved, according to local reports. He was a prominent student of Grand Ayatollah Abulqasim al-Khoei, who himself was considered one of the most influential Shia scholars of the 20th century. In a statement, PM Zeidi said al-Fayyad had left a deep mark on Islamic sciences and jurisprudence and had contributed to strengthening the Najaf seminary. The prime minister also noted al-Fayyad's support for efforts toward unity among Muslims.