Ahmad al-Tayyib

Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad al-Tayyib (b. 1365 AH / 1946 CE) is the current Grand Imam of al-Azhar and the President of al-Azhar University, making him one of the most prominent figures in Sunni Islam globally. Born in Qurna, Upper Egypt, in a village with a strong Sufi scholarly tradition, he completed his education at al-Azhar University and received a doctorate in Islamic philosophy from the Sorbonne University in Paris.

Al-Tayyib was previously the Grand Mufti of Egypt (2002-2003) before being appointed Grand Imam of al-Azhar in 2010. In that role he has become one of the most visible Muslim leaders on the world stage, engaging in interfaith dialogue, issuing statements on major international events, and working to articulate what he describes as a moderate, comprehensive Islamic vision that counters extremism. He has been outspoken in condemning terrorism committed in Islam's name.

His scholarship spans Islamic philosophy, jurisprudence, and Ash'ari theology. He studied under prominent al-Azhar scholars and is deeply rooted in the Ash'ari-Maturidi theological tradition and the four Sunni legal schools. He has authored works on Islamic philosophy and theology, and his speeches and sermons are widely followed across the Arabic-speaking world. Al-Tayyib is also known for his connection to the Sufi tradition, particularly the Khalwatiyyah-Rahmaniyyah order through his family. He continues to lead al-Azhar as an institution committed to the promotion of traditional Sunni scholarship and Islamic moderation.