The Grand Imam, Professor Dr. Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed al-Tayyib, the highest-ranking institutional authority in Sunni Islam, will be visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina from November 14 to 18.

During his stay, he will meet with Husein Kavazovic, the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he will be presented with a special recognition award. He will also hold a gathering with scholars from Bosnia and neighbouring regions, including muftis, chief imams, former Grand Muftis, and representatives of Islamic educational institutions.

Additionally, Sheikh al-Tayyib is expected to meet with representatives from other religious communities and high-ranking state officials. Scheduled meetings include those with the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Becirovic, the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Kristo, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, Denis Zvizdic.

As part of his visit, the Grand Imam will tour the Gazi Bey Library and lead Friday prayers at Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, where he will also greet worshippers. Egypt’s Mufti, Dr. Nazir Iyad, will deliver the sermon.

The program includes meetings with the rector and deans of the University of Sarajevo, as well as prominent intellectuals of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the key highlights will be Sheikh al-Tayyib’s visit to Srebrenica, where he will pay respects to the victims of the 1995 genocide.

Sheikh al-Tayyib holds a prominent position as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Egypt’s highest religious institution and one of the oldest universities in the world, founded over a thousand years ago. Officially established as a position in 1679, Sheikh al-Tayyib is the 44th person to hold this prestigious role.

Born in 1946, he received his education under the guidance of Al-Azhar’s most esteemed scholars, earning his doctorate in 1977. His career includes teaching positions at institutions like Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Qatar University, and the International Islamic University in Islamabad. Known for his efforts to promote peace and interfaith dialogue, six universities have awarded him honorary doctorates in recognition of his work.

The Sheikh al-Azhar position is elected by the Council of Senior Scholars and is chosen through a secret ballot from at least three candidates. Once elected, the Grand Imam serves for life, provided he maintains the physical and mental capacities required for the role. In addition to leading Al-Azhar’s Supreme Council, he plays a pivotal role in all religious matters related to the institution.

The first Grand Imam of Al-Azhar was Muhammad al-Harishi, born in 1601, who set the foundations for a long legacy of scholarship and religious guidance. Sheikh al-Tayyib’s visit is seen as a significant gesture of solidarity and an opportunity for deepening ties with Bosnia’s diverse religious communities.