WASHINGTON DC - March 12, 2025. The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) extends its heartfelt prayers and well wishes for the swift and complete recovery of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Ishaq Fayadh, who was recently hospitalized due to a critical health condition. By the grace of God and the prayers of the faithful, his condition has since stabilized, but continued supplications are requested.
Grand Ayatollah Fayadh is a renowned 93-year-old Islamic scholar and one of the most respected religious leaders in Shia Islam. A Grand Ayatollah (or Marja' al-Taqlid, meaning "Source of Emulation") is a senior Islamic scholar whose interpretations of religious law serve as guidance for millions of Shia Muslims worldwide. In Shia Islam, these scholars dedicate their lives to studying theology, jurisprudence, and ethics, and their rulings shape religious practice and everyday life for their followers.
Grand Ayatollah al-Fayadh is one of the few Islamic Shia Ayatollahs who are in favor of women in positions of political leadership. In June 2018 an article was written on a Persian website, which was later translated into English. There the Islamic position of Ayatollah al-Fayadh concerning the position of women in Islamic society was discussed, citing his book 'Jāyegāh Zan dar Nizām Siyāsīyeh Islām' (English title: 'The position of women in the Islamic political system') on that subject. "In response to some jurisprudential questions concerning the role of women in society, he declared it permissible for women to take any of the three following positions: political leader, judge and religious jurisconsult."
The article continues to explain al-Fayadh' opinion concerning women and the different positions they can take in society: "It is irrespective of whether this is a social position like politics or an individual one like being a driver, a pilot, etc. With this reasoning he believes that in all spheres of life, be it social, individual, ideological, freedom of expression, business, financial trading, land cultivation, etc. women and men are completely equal."
Originally from Afghanistan, Grand Ayatollah Fayadh has lived in Najaf, Iraq, for decades, where he has played a key role in shaping modern Shia religious thought. Najaf is home to the Hawza, a prestigious center for Islamic learning, where he has mentored countless students and scholars. He is widely recognized for his contributions to Islamic jurisprudence and his advocacy for social justice, education, and the protection of religious minorities. His leadership, wisdom, and scholarly work have made a lasting impact on the global Muslim community.
In times of illness, prayers (du’a) are a fundamental part of Islamic tradition, as believers turn to God for healing and mercy. The Shia Muslim Foundation humbly requests all people of goodwill, to pray for Grand Ayatollah Fayadh’s recovery. His guidance and scholarship are invaluable to the millions who look to him for religious and ethical direction.
As one of the most senior figures in Shia Islam, his presence is not only important to his followers but to the broader interfaith and global community, where he has been a voice for peace and understanding.
The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the civic rights of American Shia Muslims, advocating on social and political issues, and promoting the rights and welfare of Shia Muslims worldwide. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, SMF works to foster understanding and cooperation between religious communities while addressing challenges faced by Shia Muslims.
