Sisi appoints Nazir Ayyad as Egypt's new Grand Mufti

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has appointed Nazir Mohamed Ayyad as the country’s new Grand Mufti for a four-year term, following a recommendation from the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb. Ayyad succeeds Shawki Allam, who has held the position since 2013.

Ayyad previously served as the secretary-general of Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research Academy and is a respected scholar in the fields of Islamic jurisprudence, creed and philosophy. He is known for his moderate approach, promoting interfaith dialogue and combating extremism and Islamophobia.

He holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a PhD in Creed and Philosophy, all from Al-Azhar University. He has held various academic roles, including professor and vice dean at the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies for Girls in Kafr El-Sheikh.

#TWMCC chaired by HE Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, congratulates Dr Nazir Mohamed Ayyad on the occasion of his appointment as Egypt’s Grand Mufti pic.twitter.com/dRZbzqJKiq

— Muslim Communities (@WMuslimCC) August 12, 2024

As Grand Mufti, Ayyad will assume leadership of Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, the official institution responsible for issuing religious opinions, known as fatwas, and providing Islamic legal guidance on a wide range of issues.

The institution plays a crucial role in interpreting Islamic law and advising on matters that impact both personal and public life in Egypt. Established in 1895 independent of government control, Dar Al-Ifta has, over time, become increasingly intertwined with the state.

Following Egypt’s 2013 military coup and the rise of Al-Sisi to the presidency, the office of the Grand Mufti, under Ayyad’s predecessor Allam, played a significant role in legitimising the new government. Allam issued various fatwas in support of the government’s actions, including the crackdown on political opponents resulting in the imprisonment or death sentences of tens of thousands.

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