Malaysia awarded the First Islamic Personality Award (*Toko Maal Hijrah Award*) for the year 1442 AH (2020 CE) to the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Shaykh al-Azhar, in the presence of the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Islamic Affairs Zulkifl Muhammad al-Bakri, and several Malaysian government ministers.
This award was presented during a celebration held in Kuala Lumpur to mark the anniversary of the Prophetic Hijrah and the beginning of the Islamic year 1442 AH. The Malaysian Minister of Islamic Affairs, in an official speech, confirmed that Malaysia had chosen to honor the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in recognition of his tireless efforts, positive impact, and unwavering dedication to serving the Islamic nation. This is Malaysia’s most prestigious annual award, granted to internationally renowned figures who have played a significant role in the service of Islam and Muslims.
In his statement, the Grand Imam said:
*”The Tokoh Maal Hijrah Award for the year 2020 is a special honor for me, as it comes from a model Islamic state that pioneers development and fosters harmony. In fact, this award is a recognition of the Al-Azhar institution, its scholars, and its students. I offer my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister, and the people of Malaysia.”*
He also highlighted the strong historical relationship between Al-Azhar University and Malaysia, emphasizing the various collaborations in religious, cultural, and scholarly fields. The award, he noted, reflects Malaysia’s recognition and high regard for Al-Azhar University.
In a congratulatory statement from Al-Azhar Alumni UK, Vice-President Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari stated:
*”On behalf of Al-Azhar Alumni UK, I congratulate the Grand Imam, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Shaykh al-Azhar, on receiving the First Islamic Personality Award for the year 1442 AH from Malaysia. The efforts of the honorable Shaykh al-Azhar in preserving the intellectual and spiritual traditions of Islam through the historic Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, as well as promoting balanced understanding and mutual compassion among people of all backgrounds in today’s complex world, are immense and worthy of emulation. I also congratulate the royal and political leadership of Malaysia for their state-level recognition and support of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and its Grand Imam.”*
