Indeed we are for Allah, and to Him we are to return.
Al-Azhar Alumni UK – the UK branch of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates – extends its sincere prayers and condolences upon the sudden passing of Shaykh Prof Dr Mohammed Husayn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz al-Mahrasawi, former President of Al-Azhar University and President of the Al-Azhar International Training Academy, who died aged 62.
Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi dedicated his life to the dissemination of knowledge. During his tenure as President of Al-Azhar University, the institution’s educational standards developed further with advancements in both academic and administrative systems. Similarly, the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates also flourished during his time as its Vice-President.
His depth of study can be gauged by the accolade of being appointed Professor of Linguistics at Al-Azhar University and by the words of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar: “Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi spared no effort in spreading Al-Azhar’s message and enriching its scholarly library with numerous books and publications that will remain a source of inspiration for researchers and students.”
Al-Azhar Alumni UK President, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, and its board members expressed their deep shock and sadness at this sudden departure. Only recently, Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi coordinated and delivered a special training course for British Imams and scholars.
Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi devoted his life to serving Al-Azhar’s mission, defending its moderate approach, disseminating the values of tolerance and coexistence, and striving to prepare generations of scholars and preachers who would carry the torch of guidance and enlightened thought. Despite his numerous academic achievements, Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi was always attentive to the needs of his students. He interacted with compassion and concern; he was firm without being harsh, gentle without being weak, and always close to both professors and students.
Tributes have poured in for Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi from the Grand Imam Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, the Grand Mufti of Egypt Professor Nazir Ayyad, the Minister of Religious Endowments Dr Usama al-Azhari, among many other notable dignitaries. This beacon of knowledge and humility continues to shine through his numerous students.
Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi passed away on Thursday, 27th March 2025, corresponding to Egypt’s Thursday, 27th Ramadan 1446. Professor Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud delivered the final Jumu’ah sermon of Ramadan at the historic Al-Azhar Mosque, quoting the Prophetic tradition: “Whoever dies on Friday, or the night of Friday, Allah protects him from the tribulation of the grave.”[Musnad Ahmad]
Dr Ibrahim indicated the hope that a good ending — such as passing away on the night of Friday, in the month of Ramadan, and on a possible Night of Glory (Laylat al-Qadr) — was a sign of Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi’s life of obedience to Allah Almighty.
Al-Azhar Alumni UK extends condolences to the family, students, and acquaintances of Dr Husayn al-Mahrasawi. May Allah Almighty bestow His mercy, forgiveness, and satisfaction upon him. May he be blessed with the highest station of Paradise.
Amin.
Summary of the Farewell Friday sermon of Dr Ibrahim al-Hudhud:
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta on passing away on the night of Friday
