Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy

Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy: Imam of Preachers and Ambassador of the Quran

🌙 Introduction
Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy is one of the most famous Islamic scholars of the 20th century, his name becoming synonymous with deep and simple understanding of the meanings of the Quran. He was distinguished by his unique style of Quranic interpretation, making profound meanings clear and accessible to the general public, earning him a prominent place in the hearts of Muslims across the Arab world.

Sheikh El-Shahrawy left a scholarly and religious legacy that continues to influence people today. His reflections brought religion closer to people in an unprecedented way. In this article, we will explore his biography, upbringing, academic journey, achievements, key moments in his religious mission, and his lasting impact even after his death. ✨

🌟 The Upbringing of Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy
Birth and Early Life
Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy was born on April 15, 1911, in the village of Daqadous, in the Mit Ghamr district of the Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. He grew up in a simple rural environment, learning Islamic ethics and trust in God from his parents. 🕌

Education and Quran Memorization
He began memorizing the Quran at the age of four and completed memorizing it by the age of eleven, an impressive achievement for a child of that age. He then joined the Azhar Institute in Zagazig, where his remarkable talent in Arabic language, rhetoric, and poetry emerged. 📚

Enrolling in Al-Azhar University
After excelling at the Zagazig Institute, he moved to Cairo to enroll at Al-Azhar University, where he studied at the Faculty of Arabic Language. He graduated in 1940 with a teaching diploma, and his time at Al-Azhar was a turning point in his life, where he met distinguished scholars and benefited from their knowledge. 🌙

🌿 His Career and Religious Mission
Starting as a Teacher at Al-Azhar
After graduating, El-Shahrawy began working as a teacher in Azhar institutes, in towns like Tanta, Alexandria, and Zagazig. During this period, he proved his competence in teaching and was able to convey knowledge in an engaging and simple way, making him popular among his students. ✨

Work in Saudi Arabia
In 1950, Sheikh El-Shahrawy moved to Saudi Arabia to work as a professor at Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca. Despite specializing in Arabic language, his excellence in the sciences of belief and Quranic interpretation made him highly regarded. 📖

🌹 Positions Held
Sheikh El-Shahrawy held many religious and educational positions, including:

• Teacher at Tanta Azhar Institute.
• Inspector of Arabic Sciences at Al-Azhar in 1962.
• Director of the Azhar Sheikh’s Office in 1964.
• Head of the Azhar Mission in Algeria in 1966.
• Visiting Professor at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia in 1970.
• Minister of Endowments and Azhar Affairs in Egypt in 1976.
• Member of the Islamic Research Academy in 1980.
• Member of the Egyptian Shura Council in 1980. 🕌

✨ His Unique Style in Quranic Interpretation
Spiritual Reflections
Sheikh El-Shahrawy was different from other interpreters as he did not rely on the traditional approach. Instead, he explained the Quran in a storytelling manner that allowed the listener to live the verses as though they were happening in front of them. 🌙

Media Presence
With the advent of television in every home, Sheikh El-Shahrawy began presenting his TV programs, which made him the most famous Quranic interpreter of his time. His simple style attracted millions of followers and became a topic of conversation in Egypt and the Arab world. 📺

🌟 His Notable Stances and Opinions
His Stance on Usury and Banks
El-Shahrawy was one of the staunchest opponents of usury, warning against dealing with usurious banks and considering bank interest as a form of forbidden usury. ⚖️

His Views on Women’s Issues
He defended women’s rights in Islam but emphasized the importance of adhering to Islamic guidelines, such as wearing the hijab, and the role of women in societal development without compromising religious teachings. 💖

His Stance on Politics
He refrained from direct political involvement, but he criticized governments on certain issues and believed that ruling by Islamic law was the solution to the problems facing the nation. 🕌

🌙 His Death and Lasting Legacy
On June 17, 1998, Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy passed away at the age of 87, after a life filled with contributions and calling people to Allah. His funeral was grand, attended by thousands of admirers from Egypt and the Muslim world. 💐

However, his influence did not cease with his death. His reflections and religious programs continued to spread through television and the internet, and his books and lectures remain an essential religious reference. 📚

🌹 Conclusion
Sheikh Mohamed Metwally El-Shahrawy remains an icon in the world of Quranic interpretation and religious preaching. Through his simple yet profound style, he made the meanings of the Quran accessible in a way no one had done before. 🌟

He left us with an eternal scientific legacy, bringing the interpretation of the Quran closer to people's hearts, guiding those seeking the correct understanding of Allah's words. ✨

May Allah have mercy on the Imam of Preachers and accept his knowledge in his scales of good deeds. 🌙