Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro was a renowned Islamic scholar and Mufti of Syria, known for his moderate and inclusive approach to Islam. He was a prominent figure in the Islamic world, respected by scholars such as Fazlur Rahman Malik and Abdullah Yusuf Azzam. Kuftaro's teachings emphasized the importance of Sufism, as practiced by Rumi and Ibn Arabi, and he was influenced by the works of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya. He interacted with various international leaders, including Hosni Mubarak and Yasser Arafat, and was a member of the Muslim World League.

● Early Life and Education

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro was born in Damascus, Syria in 1915, and began his education at the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he studied under prominent scholars such as Muhammad Abu Zahra and Mahmoud Shaltut. He also spent time at the University of Damascus, where he was influenced by the teachings of Mustafa al-Siba'i and Wahbah al-Zuhayli. Kuftaro's early life was marked by his involvement with the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, led by Mustafa al-Siba'i, and he was also influenced by the Sufi orders, such as the Naqshbandi and Qadiri orders, founded by Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari and Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani. He was acquainted with other notable figures, including Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar El-Sadat.

● Career

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro's career spanned several decades, during which he held various positions, including the Grand Mufti of Syria, a role that allowed him to interact with other prominent Islamic scholars, such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Mohammad Salim Al-Awa. He was also a member of the Syrian Parliament and served as a judge in the Syrian Sharia Court. Kuftaro was a prolific writer and authored several books on Islamic jurisprudence, including works on Fiqh and Tafseer, which were influenced by the writings of Ibn Kathir and Tabari. He was a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue and worked closely with leaders such as Pope John Paul II and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

● Religious Views and Teachings

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro's religious views were characterized by his emphasis on the importance of Sufism and moderate Islam. He believed in the need for Islamic reform and was critical of extremist ideologies, such as those promoted by Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Kuftaro's teachings were influenced by the works of Al-Ghazali and Ibn Arabi, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of women in Islam, as promoted by Aisha and Khadija bint Khuwaylid. He also believed in the importance of interfaith dialogue and worked closely with leaders such as Desmond Tutu and Billy Graham.

● Legacy and Impact

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro's legacy is marked by his contributions to Islamic scholarship and his efforts to promote moderate Islam. He was a respected figure in the Islamic world and was awarded several honors, including the King Faisal International Prize and the Pope John Paul II's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue award. Kuftaro's teachings continue to influence Islamic scholars such as Tariq Ramadan and Hamza Yusuf, and his work has been recognized by organizations such as the Muslim World League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He interacted with various international leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter, and was a member of the World Council of Churches.

● Personal Life

Sheikh Ahmed Kuftaro was married and had several children, including his son, Mohammad Kuftaro, who is also an Islamic scholar. He was known for his simple and humble lifestyle, and was respected by his peers for his piety and wisdom. Kuftaro passed away in 2004, at the age of 89, and was buried in Damascus, Syria. His funeral was attended by several prominent figures, including Bashar al-Assad and Hosni Mubarak, and he is remembered as one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Abdul Aziz bin Baz and Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani.