Islamic Personality of the Year named

Dubai: Renowned Emirati Islamic scholar Shaikh Mohammad Ali Sultan Al Ulama was named Islamic Personality of the Year on Tuesday for the 20th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA).

Shaikh Ali, 96, who inherited the title of Sultan Al Ulama from his father, is the author of more than 70 Islamic titles.

His major works include a Quranic exegesis titled Safwat Al Erfan, a biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Ghayat Al Ma’mul, and several others works on Islamic sciences.

Born in 1920 Shaikh Ali received his early education from his father Imam Abdurrahman bin Yusuf, who ran the Islamic school Madrasa Rahmania. Later he travelled to India and Egypt for further studies and graduated from Al Azhar University in Cairo.

Announcing the award, Ebrahim Bumelha, Head of the Organising Committee of DIHQA, said that Shaikh Mohammad Ali is also known for his philanthropic and humanitarian work.

“He has initiated more than 200 social and philanthropic projects, while also building several mosques, schools, hospitals, Quran study centres and charitable institutions over the years,” said Bumelha, who is also the cultural and social advisor to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The award will be handed over on the 20th of Ramadan, during the closing ceremony of the DIHQA, which has been renamed this year after Late Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum.

Last Year, Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak was named Islamic Personality of the Year.