His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz Fattani
His Eminence Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdul Ghaffar bin Muhammad Noor Fattani was born in the year 1350 AH (approximately 1931 AD) in the Al-Qashashiyah quarter, specifically on Fattani Alley, also known as Khartafoushi Alley, situated near the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) east of the Mas’a (running area). He passed away in 1432 AH (2011 AD).
Sheikh Abdulaziz was raised and began his educational, professional, and family life in the home of his grandfather, the scholar Sheikh Muhammad Noor bin Muhammad bin Ismail Fattani. This home, which was full of knowledge, righteousness, and blessings, served as the central gathering place for the entire extended family, including his parents, siblings, and cousins.
The Sheikh began his formal education at Al-Tarqiyyah School (or Kuttab) in Al-Qashashiyah for about a year and a half, prior to 1360 AH. The principal at that time was the late Mr. Ahmad Ajimi. Following this, he enrolled in Al-Falah Schools up to the fourth grade, then under the directorship of Mr. Ishaq Azzouz. He completed his primary education at Al-Rahmaniyyah School, located at the Mas’a, whose director was the late Mr. Abdullah Al-Sassi.
Subsequently, he joined the Saudi Scientific Institute (Al-Ma'had Al-Ilmi Al-Saudi) in Jabal Al-Qalaa (Castle Mountain), where he studied for four years—a level equivalent to the current high school diploma. During his time there, he studied various subjects, including Hadith, Arabic Language, Terminology of Hadith (Mustalah al-Hadith), Inheritance (Fara'id), and a little English. Some of his teachers at the Institute included Mr. Muhammad Ali Shalwala, Mr. Al-Kharrāz, and several Egyptian nationals
2
Professional and Academic Career
His professional journey began in 1366 AH (Hijri year) as a Certificate Clerk in the Ministry of Finance, where he worked for about a year under the direction of the poet, Professor Muhammad Hassan Fiqi. Following this, he transferred his position to the Presidency of the Judiciary (now known as the Ministry of Justice). This transfer allowed him to work for four months during the summer in Taif, a popular summer resort for Hejaz residents, enabling him to accompany his family. This Ministry operated for eight months in Makkah and four months in Taif.
He completed his university education at the College of Sharia and Fundamentals of Religion in 1396 AH. He was among the first to earn a Bachelor's degree from this college, alongside notable colleagues such as Dr. Rashid Al-Rajih, Dr. Abdullah Al-Turki, Professor Abdulrahman Shurbini, and Dr. Abdulwahab Abu Sulaiman.
Career Progression
He held several positions within the government:
• He started as a Clerk in the Presidency of the Judiciary.
• He then served as a Court Recorder at the Court of Cassation (Court of Appeal).
• He was later promoted to Director of the Court of Cassation during the tenure of its President, Sheikh Muhammad Salih Ibn Salim.
• He was subsequently nominated and promoted from Director of Administration at the Court of Cassation in the Western Region to Court Inspector at the Ministry of Justice in Riyadh.
• He then advanced to the ninth rank as Director of Judicial Associates at the Taif Court for eight years.
• Following this, he was appointed as a Notary Public at the First Notary Administration in Makkah (at the tenth rank), simultaneously serving as the Director of the Administration. He held this role, working under Sheikh Muhammad Sa'id Rahmatullah and Sheikh Abdulaziz Ibn Hanash Al-Zahrani, until his retirement in 1410 AH.
He retired after dedicating thirty-eight years of service to the courts and the Ministry of Justice. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to the study of Islamic Inheritance Law (Fiqh al-Fara’idh) under the renowned scholar, Sheikh Abdulfattah Rawah. Sheikh Rawah certified his competence to handle complex inheritance distribution cases, a pursuit he continued until his passing in Jumada al-Awwal, 1432 AH.
Other Engagements
He also obtained a License as an Official Marriage Officiant (Ma’dhun Shar'i) from the Makkah Court but did not practice it due to his commitment to serving pilgrims during the Hajj seasons. For several years, he served as the Deputy Head of one of the Field Service Groups within the Southeast Asian Pilgrims Establishment
Family Life
He married his cousin, the daughter of Sheikh Yasin bin Muhammad Noor Fatani. They began their married life alongside his parents in the large family home of his grandfather, Sheikh Muhammad Noor Fatani (may God have mercy on them all). They were blessed with three children: their eldest son, Fawaz, and two daughters.
He was known for living a life of joy and optimism, was committed to maintaining kinship ties, and was diligent in performing the five daily obligatory prayers in the Haram Mosque, always praying with the Imam and the congregation.
Passing
He became ill and passed away in 1432 AH at the age of eighty-two. May God have mercy on the respected Sheikh, his parents, his grandparents, and everyone who has a right over him