With great patience and acceptance of Allah's will, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb mourns the passing of his colleague and friend, the eminent scholar, Professor Mohamed El-Mahrasawy, former Professor of Linguistics at Al-Azhar University, former President of Al-Azhar International Academy for the Training of Imams, Preachers and Fatwa Researchers, and former President of Al-Azhar University, who passed away Thursday afternoon, during the last ten days of Ramadan, during which Allah frees those who fast from Hellfire.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar recalls the late sheikh's legacy as a model of the dignity and worth of scholars, and an example of devotion to his religion, his country, and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. He spared no effort in spreading Al-Azhar's message and enriching its scholarly library with numerous books and publications that will continue to be a source of inspiration for researchers and students of knowledge.

Al-Azhar extends its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the great deceased, his relatives, sons, and daughters, and prays to Allah to grant them patience and comfort, and to grant his colleagues and students solace.

May Allah bestow His mercy, forgiveness, and satisfaction upon the deceased, and make him one of those freed from Hell during this holy month. O Allah do not deprive us of his reward, nor tempt us after him. “Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”