Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei offered condolences over the demise of prominent cleric and member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Abolqasem Khaz’ali, praising him as a “pious and prolific” scholar.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a message on Wednesday, the Leader expressed condolences to the family of Ayatollah Khaz’ali.

Ayatollah Khamenei also lauded the deceased for his brave efforts during the oppressive circumstances before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and assuming sensitive posts afterwards.

Before the victory of Islamic Revolution in 1979, he was one of the strongest challengers of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the then ruler, and was taken to jail several times.

Ayatollah Khaz’ali passed away at the age of 90 on Wednesday.

He was the secretary general of the Qadir International Foundation, a member of the Assembly of Experts, a former member of the Guardian Council, and a prominent teacher in the Qom Seminary.