Azhar Imam wins Islamic personality award in Dubai

The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has chosen the Grand Imam of Egypt s Al Azhar Al Sharif, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, to be the Islamic Personality of the 17th edition of the Award. The Dubai International Holy Quran Award is given annually to people who memorise and recite the Quran. In addition, an Islamic Personality of the Year Award is presented to an eminent Muslim personality or an outstanding Islamic organisation. The Award was established in order to encourage young Muslims to memorise and understand the Holy Quran, and to spread the Quranic values of peace and love. Born in 1946, Dr. Al Tayyeb attended Al Azhar schools and colleges and obtained his doctorate from it and then travelled to France for study. Ibrahim Bu Melha, Chairman of the Award Organizing Committee, said he also taught in many higher education institutions across the Arab and Islamic countries including the UAE University in Al Ain. He was named Grand Mufti of Egypt and then President of Al Azhar. In 2010, he became the Grand Imam of Egypt's Al Azhar Al Sharif, a post during which he offered significant services to Islam and Muslims. The late, Mohammad Metwally Al Sha'rawi, a prominent Egyptian scholar, was the first winner of the award which also honoured among others the late, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Al Azhar University. He added that Dr. Al Tayyeb would be honoured on the final ceremony of the Award on 19th Ramadan.