Putrajaya: Prominent Egyptian scholar Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Syahawi has emphasized the importance of preserving Islamic classical heritage, known as turath, while integrating new technology to document and sustain this scholarly legacy. This message came forth during a visit from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Nasyrul Quran today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted in a social media post that Sheikh Abdul Aziz underscored the responsibility of preserving turath, describing it as a vital bridge connecting current generations to a rich scholarly tradition. The scholar praised the unique characteristics of Al-Azhar, particularly its strong chain of narration (isnad) and the enduring continuity of its scholarly tradition through generations. He advocated for the use of technology to document and maintain these treasures, rather than dismissing modern advancements.
Anwar further elaborated on the credentials of Sheikh Abdul Aziz, noting his origins from Al-Mahallah Al-Kubra, Al-Gharbiyyah, Egypt. The scholar is renowned as one of the leading Shafi'i scholars at Al-Azhar. He holds the esteemed positions of Sheikh of the Sheikhs of the Imam Al-Shafi'i School and the Sheikh of the Shahawiyyah Burhamiyyah Order (Tariqah). Sheikh Abdul Aziz is also a respected jurist and a teacher of Quranic recitation sciences at Al-Azhar Mosque, committed to the traditional method of studying classical texts face-to-face (talaqqi kitabul turath), with exceptional memorisation skills across various branches of religious knowledge, hadith, and Quranic recitation.
The Prime Minister also shared a quote from Imam al-Syafie on the dedication required in the pursuit of knowledge: "Whoever does not experience the hardship of learning even for a moment, will swallow the bitterness of ignorance for a lifetime." Anwar expressed his prayers for Sheikh Abdul Aziz's continued health, well-being, and longevity in blessings, hoping that the scholar's contributions to knowledge continue as an everlasting charitable act (amal jariah).