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Portrait of Mustafa Abu Sway

Mustafa Abu Sway

Defender of Al-Aqsa and scholar

Born
1958
Born in
Amman, Jordan
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Why Mustafa is here

Pioneered the integration of Islamic scholarship with Palestinian activism.

Their story

Mustafa Abu Sway is a distinguished Palestinian Islamic scholar and academic known for his significant contributions to Islamic studies and his active defense of Palestinian rights, particularly regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As the first holder, from 2012 to 2020, of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al-Ghazali's Work at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa and Al-Quds University, Abu Sway has blended scholarly rigor with advocacy, focusing on the preservation of Islamic heritage and Palestinian identity.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Mustafa’s path.

  1. 1984

    Earned his BA from Bethlehem University, marking the beginning of his academic journey.

  2. 1993

    Completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Boston College, specializing in Islamic epistemology, which laid the foundation for his later scholarly work.

  3. 1996

    Joined Al-Quds University in Jerusalem as a Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies, beginning his long-term influence on Palestinian education.

  4. 2012–2020

    First holder of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al-Ghazali’s Work at Al-Aqsa Mosque and Al-Quds University.

  5. 2014-2020

    Served as Dean of the College of Da`wah and Usul Al-Din and College of the Qur'an and Islamic Studies at Al-Quds University, furthering his impact on Islamic scholarship in Palestine.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Preservation of Al-Aqsa Mosque

    Abu Sway's role in the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock underscores his commitment to protecting one of Islam's holiest sites, vital for Palestinian cultural and religious identity.

  2. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

    Through his lectures and writings, Abu Sway has consistently highlighted the importance of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa in the Palestinian cause, urging global support for their protection.

  3. Islamic Scholarship on Palestine

    He has contributed significantly to the scholarly understanding of Islam's role in the Palestinian identity, particularly through his work on Imam Al-Ghazali, which has helped to contextualize Palestinian struggles within broader Islamic thought.

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  4. Educational Influence

    As a professor and dean at Al-Quds University, Abu Sway has educated generations of students on Islamic philosophy and Palestinian rights, ensuring that the intellectual defense of Palestine continues through academic channels.

  5. Interfaith Dialogue

    Despite the focus on Palestine, Abu Sway has also been active in interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding and cooperation between different religious communities while advocating for Palestinian justice.

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Mustafa in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Islamic Scholarship on Palestine↗

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