Professor Mohammad Bin Sharifah
King Faisal Prize in Arabic Language and Literature 1988 Laureate
Topic: "Studies on Arabic Literature in Andalusia "
Heritage has its powerful and significant influence on the Arab Renaissance as it also revives the glories of the Arab and Muslim predecessors, and awakens nationalistic feelings
Mohammad Bin Sharifah memorized the Holy Quran in his early age, and received his initial education in his hometown, and secondary education at Ibn Youssef School in Marrakesh. After completing his general education, he obtained a BA from Mohammed V University in Morocco in 1960, a master’s degree in 1964, and a Ph.D. degree in Literature from Cairo University in 1969. He taught Andalusian Literature at Mohammed V University in Morocco in 1970 and became Dean of the College of Arts and President of Mohammed I University in Annaba from1978 until 1983.
Professor Bin Sharifah was a leading authority in Andalusian literature, particularly during the era of the Islamic State in Granada. His prolific writings on the role of Arab and Muslim literary figures in Andalusia are exemplified by his books: The Life and Works of Abul Matraf Ahmed Ibn Omaira al-Makhzoumi, Popular Sayings in Andalusia, Al-Basti, Last of Andalusian Poets, Abu Marwan al-Baji and His Journey to the East, and many other books. He also verified several texts including the 8-volume book Al-thail wa Takmilah Kitabai Al Mausul wul Sela by Ibn Abdul Malik al-Marrakishi (jointly with Ihsan Abbas); and Rawdat al-Adib by Ibn Lubal Al-Shraishi. Bin Sharifah also published numerous articles and research papers and participated in many conferences in his field of specialization.
He was a member or corresponding member of the Royal Moroccan Academy, the Royal History Academy in Madrid, the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo, the Royal Academy for Islamic Civilization, the Aal Al-Bayt Foundation for Islamic Thought in Jordan and the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus. A biography of Bin Sharifah’s life and works was recently published.
This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.
- He authored many books including:
- Banu Zahr: Views in the History of an Andalusian Family (Ibn Zahr University), (1990).
- Al-Kanimi (African Studies Institute), (1991).
- Ibrahim Al-Sahily (African Studies Institute), (1992).
- Ibn Abd Rabbih: Fusool Min Sirah Mansyyah (Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami), (1992).
- Abdulrahman Saqeen (African Studies Institute), (1993).
- Ibn Maghawir Al-Shatiby: Hayatuh Wa Atharuh (Al-Najah Printing), (1994).
- Ibn Lubal Al-Sharishy (Al-Najah Printing), (1996).
- Ibn Hariq Al-Balansi (Al-Najah Printing), (1996).
- Ibn Rushd Al-Hafid: Sira Wathaiqiyah (Al-Najah Printing), (1999).
- Adib Al-Andalus: Abu Bahr Al-Tujibi (1999).
- Tareekh Al-Amthal Wa Al-Azjal Fi Al-Andalus Wa Al-Maghrib (Ministry of Culture), (2006).
- He received many awards and orders including:
- The Order of the Throne in 1988.
- The Grand Prize in 1993.
- The Kuwait Prize for Science Advancement in 1999.
- Professor Mohammad Bin Sharifah passed away in Rabat on 22/11/2018.