COVID-19: Virus claims life of prominent preacher in Saudi Arabia
Sheikh Abu Ghazi succumbs to coronavirus, was particularly popular among youth
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Cairo: Saudi cleric Abdullah Ghazi Al Shamiri, who wielded a great influence among the youth, died of COVID-19, according to media reports.
Al Shamiri, who preached for over 20 years, passed away on Tuesday and was later buried in his home city Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from his followers on social media, Saudi news portal Ajel said.
They also circulated his last video in hospital where he sounded optimistic and exhorted his audience to be content with fate.
“He was a model of morals, politeness and good nature. Our condolences go to his family and don’t forget to pray for him,” tweeted Ebrahim Al Qasimi, a Saudi media man.
“May Allah make what infected him a boost in his status,” tweeted another mourner Adel Aqishi. “May Allah have mercy upon you , forgive you and make paradise your abode,” eulogized a woman, named Fatima.
Known among his fans as Sheikh Abu Ghazi, the late cleric was famous for his broad grin and use of a simple language, which drew young people to his sermons that were popular on cassettes and later via social media.
“Attracting youth and capturing their attention require first smile that opens the way to their hearts, besides the skillful style, mixing and coming close to them and the use of local, simple talk,” he once said.
His sermons often tackled themes of interest to youth, speaking about hazards of drugs and relations with friends and parents.
