21 Facts About Mahmud Shaltut

Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltut was an Egyptian figure best known for his attempts in Islamic reform.

Mahmud Shaltut's reforms were ones specifically geared toward separating the religious institution from the state.

Unlike al-Maraghi, whom Mahmud Shaltut viewed as being a proactive leader and reformer, Sheikh al-Zawahiri was perceived by Mahmud Shaltut as being reactionary.

Mahmud Shaltut himself was a modernist disciple of Muhammad Abduh and Muhammad Rashid Rida and their influences on him are clearly discernible in his writings, actions, and ideas.

Mahmud Shaltut spent his time spent away from al-Azhar working as a lawyer in the Shari'a courts.

Mahmud Shaltut's speech regarding civil and criminal liability in Islamic law impressed those within al-Azhar circles and thus served to increase his status within the institute.

Later in 1939, Mahmud Shaltut was appointed as inspector of religious studies and went on to be elected to membership in the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo in 1946.

Mahmud Shaltut's rise to prominence continued and in November 1957 he was selected as Vice-Rector.

Less than one year later Mahmud Shaltut was finally given the highest honor and made Sheikh al-Azhar by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in October 1958.

Shortly after assuming his position as Sheikh al-Azhar, Mahmud Shaltut announced his vision for reform.

Mahmud Shaltut attempted to prove that shari'a law was not an obstacle to modern society, but rather a guide through the changes modern society brings with it.

Mahmud Shaltut was fervently determined to see al-Azhar achieve greater independence from the state's control and worked toward getting the National Assembly to pass declarations such as the Reform Law, which they did in 1961.

Admiration for Sheikh Mahmud Shaltut grew rapidly and his unprecedented decision to undertake regular broadcasts, in which he delivered religious sermons and answered questions from those who had doubts or criticism, only enhanced his reputation.

In essence, Sheikh Mahmud Shaltut believed that the relevance of shari'a law in the modern day was not to be undermined.

Mahmud Shaltut is remembered for encouraging harmonious interactions between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

Mahmud Shaltut maintained close relations with prominent Shi'i figures such as Seyyed Hossein Borujerdi and zealously campaigned for open discussion and cooperation between the two faiths.

Mahmud Shaltut desperately wanted to overcome misconstructions and avoid quarrels between them.

Mahmud Shaltut even went as far as to issue a fatwa which essentially declared that worship according to the Twelver Shi'i doctrine was valid.

Mahmud Shaltut strove to portray Islam to the world as a religion of unity, flexibility, and moderation.

Mahmud Shaltut furiously condemned sectarianism, saint worship, and miracles while promoting tolerance and reason among the Islamic population.

Nevertheless, as any prominent figure would, Mahmud Shaltut had his dissenters.