Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with prominent Egyptian scholar Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Syahawi at Nasyrul Quran, Putrajaya, on the afternoon of September 4, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Sheikh Abdul Aziz, born in Al-Mahallah Al-Kubra, Egypt, is a leading Shafi'i scholar at Al-Azhar and a jurist specializing in Quranic recitation sciences. He is known for his strong memorization skills and dedication to the traditional face-to-face study of classical Islamic texts [1, 2, 3].
During the visit, Sheikh Abdul Aziz advised preserving the Islamic classical heritage, known as turath, and emphasized the importance of utilizing new technology to properly document and sustain these treasures for future generations [1, 2, 3].
Prime Minister Anwar echoed these views and said, "The distinctiveness of Al-Azhar lies among other things in the strength of its chain of narration (isnad) and the continuity of its scholarly tradition preserved across generations" [1]. He added that "new technology should not be rejected, but instead utilised to document and sustain these treasures" [2].
Anwar also quoted the advice of Imam al-Syafi’i: "Whoever does not experience the hardship of learning even for a moment, will swallow the bitterness of ignorance for a lifetime" [3]. He prayed for Sheikh Abdul Aziz’s health and long life, hoping his knowledge would become continuous charity (amal jariah) [1, 2, 3].
Sheikh Abdul Aziz serves as Sheikh of the Sheikhs of the Imam Al-Shafi'i School and leads the Shahawiyyah Burhamiyyah Tariqah. He continues to teach Quranic recitation and Islamic jurisprudence at Al-Azhar Mosque, maintaining a strict chain of scholarly tradition that defines Al-Azhar's religious authority [1, 2, 3].
The visit brought focus to the blend of tradition and modernity in preserving Islamic heritage, with plans to further explore technological tools for documentation and education.
