As the grand sheikh of Al-Azhar University, he was a voice for faith and tolerance who was widely respected in Muslim communities in Egypt and around the globe, and by many who seek to build a world grounded in mutual respect.
Sheikh Tantawi graciously hosted President Obama last June in Cairo, and we remember well his hospitality.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who mourn him on this
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/03/obama-sheik-mohammed-sayed-tantawi.html
Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy
محمد سيد طنطاوي | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Grand Imam of Al-Azhar | |
| In office 27 March 1996 – 10 March 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Gad el-Haq Ali Gad el-Haq |
| Succeeded by | Mohamed Ahmed el-Tayeb |
| Grand Mufti of Egypt | |
| In office 28 October 1986 – 27 March 1996 | |
| Preceded by | Abd al-Latif Abd al-Ghani Hamzah |
| Succeeded by | Nasr Farid Wasil |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 October 1928 Sohag, Egypt |
| Died | 10 March 2010 (aged 81) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Alma mater | Al-Azhar University |
