Sheikh Abdel-Halim Mahmoud (Arabic: الإمام الأكبر عبدالحليم محمود) (12 May 1910 – 17 October 1978; 2 Jumaada al-awal 1328 A.H. - 14 The al-Qi`dah 1398 A.H.) served as Grand Imam of Al Azhar from 1973 until his death in 1978. He was known for his modernizing approach to teaching at Al Azhar, preaching moderation and embracing modern science as a religious duty.For Mahmoud, "any reform -- whether on the personal level or on the level of society -- begins with science, be that science religious or material..... Whether we begin the path of reform from the vantage point of theoretical science or from that of material or empirical science, our endeavours must be imbued with a purpose. This purpose is an Islamic obligation, as science must be the basis for the path towards God. Indeed, knowledge is a form of worship and a form of jihad." Wikipedia
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