Shaikh Ali Al-Tantawi

Ali Al-Tantawi was educated in Damascus University, graduating in 1932 with a law degree. Al-Tantawi combined formal education with private learning under renowned

Syrian Islamic and Arabic language scholars.

Shaikh Al-Tantawi served as a teacher in different parts of Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon before joining the Judiciary system in Syria, and was involved in formulating family laws during the unity between Egypt and Syria. He was also a journalist since 1926, and one of the first Arab broadcasters serving in radio stations in Java, Baghdad, and Damascus. In addition, he was involved in activities relating to the struggle for independence of various Arab nations from British and French rules, and was therefore subjected to continuous harassment, particularly in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

In 1963, he moved to Saudi Arabia where he taught for some years at the Shari’a and Arabic Language Colleges in Riyadh and Makkah, before dedicating his full time to writing, counseling, and preaching activities. He impressed a vast audience with his rich knowledge, wisdom, and moderation. He anchored a daily radio program and a weekly television program continuously for 25 years, and both of them were extremely popular. He also authored many books and articles on a wide range of topics and published his memoirs in eight volumes.

This biography was written in the year the prize was awarded.