Aliko Dangote, born in 1957 in Kano, Nigeria, is Africa’s richest man and the founder of the multinational Dangote Gro... View More

Aliko Dangote, born in 1957 in Kano, Nigeria, is Africa’s richest man and the founder of the multinational Dangote Group. He earned his foundational education at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, studying Islamic subjects before returning to Nigeria to build a massive business empire. The Dangote Group spans multiple sectors, including cement, sugar, salt, flour, and most recently oil and gas. Under his leadership, the company has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economy and employment. Dangote is also an active philanthropist, supporting health, education, and poverty alleviation initiatives across Africa. His time at Al-Azhar shaped his ethical and religious outlook, which he integrates into his business philosophy View Less

Abdurrahman Wahid, often referred to as “Gus Dur,” was the fourth president of Indonesia, serving from 1999 to 2001.... View More

Abdurrahman Wahid, often referred to as “Gus Dur,” was the fourth president of Indonesia, serving from 1999 to 2001. A respected Islamic scholar and leader within Nahdlatul Ulama, he studied at Al-Azhar University before pursuing further theology in Iraq and Europe. As president, Wahid championed democratic reforms, human rights, and pluralism after decades of authoritarian rule. He founded the National Awakening Party and became a vocal advocate for religious tolerance, minority rights, and social justice. His forward-thinking approach often challenged conservative religious establishments but earned him broad respect both in Indonesia and the Muslim world View Less

Taha Hussein (1889–1973), known as the “Dean of Arabic Literature,” was one of the most influential Egyptian intel... View More

Taha Hussein (1889–1973), known as the “Dean of Arabic Literature,” was one of the most influential Egyptian intellectuals of the 20th century. Partially blind from childhood, Hussein studied at Al-Azhar before moving to the University of Cairo and later France. His pioneering work in classical Arabic literature, history, and modernist thought sought to reconcile tradition and modernity. He published numerous books on literature, civilization, and education reform, and led efforts to make education accessible, including for the visually impaired. Nominated for the Nobel Prize 21 times, his legacy reshaped Arab intellectual life View Less

Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy (1928–2010) rose through the ranks of Al-Azhar from student to its Grand Imam (1996–2010) an... View More

Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy (1928–2010) rose through the ranks of Al-Azhar from student to its Grand Imam (1996–2010) and previously served as Egypt’s Grand Mufti (1986–1996). A graduate of the Faculty of Religious Studies in 1958, he later earned a PhD in Hadith and Quranic exegesis. His scholarly works include a seven-volume Quranic commentary. Known for a moderate and pragmatic approach to Islamic jurisprudence, Tantawy held that Islam could adapt to modern life and even led funeral prayers for Yasser Arafat. His tenure bolstered Al-Azhar’s global influence while navigating contentious religious and political debates. View Less

Ahmad Hasan al-Zayyat (1885–1968) was an influential Egyptian political writer and intellectual who studied at Al-Azha... View More

Ahmad Hasan al-Zayyat (1885–1968) was an influential Egyptian political writer and intellectual who studied at Al-Azhar before pursuing law and literature. He founded Arrissalah in 1933, a literary and cultural magazine that became the most important intellectual weekly in the Arab world during the 1930s. As an editor and critic, al-Zayyat shaped modern Arabic literary discourse and promoted free expression. He also edited Majallat Al Azhar in the 1960s. His writings were noted for their sharp critiques, including opposition to fascism and Nazism. View Less

Dr. Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, born in 1961, earned his PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence in 1996 from Al-Azhar Univer... View More

Dr. Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam, born in 1961, earned his PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence in 1996 from Al-Azhar University. He became the 19th Grand Mufti of Egypt in 2013, the first to be elected in that position rather than appointed. Before his appointment, he chaired the Department of Jurisprudence at Al‑Azhar's Tanta branch. Known for a balanced and academically rigorous style, Allam emphasized moderation and interfaith dialogue. He served until August 2024, bridging traditional scholarship and contemporary societal challenges View Less

Ahmed el-Tayeb, born in 1946, is a prominent Islamic scholar and former President of Al-Azhar University (2003–2010) b... View More

Ahmed el-Tayeb, born in 1946, is a prominent Islamic scholar and former President of Al-Azhar University (2003–2010) before becoming Grand Sheikh of Al‑Azhar in 2010. With a PhD in Islamic philosophy and theology from Al-Azhar in 1977, he has held numerous academic and administrative posts, including teaching in Pakistan. A Sufi by background, el‑Tayeb supports global Sufi cooperation. He is recognized for advocating moderate Islam and for engaging in high-profile interfaith initiatives, including signing a 2019 document on Human Fraternity with Pope Francis View Less

Fayyad Abdel Moneim (b. 1957) is an Egyptian economist and academic who graduated from Al-Azhar with degrees in commerce... View More

Fayyad Abdel Moneim (b. 1957) is an Egyptian economist and academic who graduated from Al-Azhar with degrees in commerce and Islamic finance, culminating in a 1999 PhD. He has served as a professor and consultant in Islamic financial institutions. In May 2013, he was appointed Egypt’s Minister of Finance under President Morsi, serving until July 2013. His expertise contributed to integrating Islamic financial principles into Egypt’s economy during a turbulent political period View Less

Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk (1933–2020) earned his BA and MA from Al-Azhar before completing a PhD in philosophy at Munich U... View More

Mahmoud Hamdi Zakzouk (1933–2020) earned his BA and MA from Al-Azhar before completing a PhD in philosophy at Munich University. As a professor and dean of the Faculty of Islamic Theology at Al-Azhar, he played a major role in academic leadership. From 1995 until 2011, he served as Egypt’s Minister of Religious Endowment, overseeing mosques and censorship of sermons. Zakzouk also promoted interfaith dialogue, notably helping to re-establish ties between Al-Azhar and the Vatican during Pope Francis’s 2016 visit View Less

Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, born in 1966, is a member of the Jordanian royal family and an esteemed academic. H... View More

Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, born in 1966, is a member of the Jordanian royal family and an esteemed academic. He studied at Al‑Azhar University, focusing on Islamic theology and philosophy before earning further degrees abroad. He has authored numerous books and articles on Islamic thought, ethics, and interfaith dialogue. Prince Ghazi chairs the Royal Aal al‑Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought and was instrumental in drafting Jordan’s modern constitution. He also co-founded the World Islamic Sciences & Education University. He is respected for promoting tolerance, education, and cultural understanding. View Less