A prominent Shia cleric has offered condolences over the passing of the leading Sunni scholar and the mufti of Russia’s North Caucasus region, Ismail Berdiyev.

Dr Hamid Shahriari, the Secretary General of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, has called the late scholar as an important pillar of science, religious belief, peace and stability, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
 
He lauded the late scholar for his vast knowledge, Islamic morality and unique piety, Sheikh which made him become an inspiration for the Muslim community in Caucasus and Russia.
 
“He played a key role in development of the Muslim community with his enlightened views, relentless efforts in promoting Islamic values,” Hujjat-ul-Islam Hamid Shahriari said.
 
The head of the Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus, Sheikh Ismail Berdiyev, passed away aged 70.