Here’s an overview of the author Ahmad (Ahmed) al‑Raysuni:

📖 Biography & Career

• Name & Origins: Born Ahmed ben Abdelsalam ben Mohamed Raïssouni in 1953 in Ouled Soltane near Ksar el‑Kebir, Morocco (rokomari.com, en.wikipedia.org).

• Education:

  • B.A. in Sharia from the University of Al‑Qarawiyyin (1978) (en.wikipedia.org)

  • M.A. (1989) and Ph.D. (1992) in Islamic law/Usul al‑Fiqh from Mohammed V University, Rabat (en.wikipedia.org).

• Academic Roles:

  • Former professor of Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) at Mohammed V University (en.wikipedia.org).

  • Visiting professor at Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies; expert with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (en.wikipedia.org).

• Leadership & Influence:

  • Founder of the Islamic Future Association in 1994 and a key figure in the Movement of Unity and Reform (MUR). Held editor‑in‑chief role at Attajadid daily (2000–2004) (en.wikipedia.org).

  • Co‑founder of the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS). Became vice‑president in 2013 and served as president from 2018 until stepping down in 2022 (en.wikipedia.org).

📝 Writings & Scholarly Work

He is a prolific author on Islamic jurisprudence and principles, particularly focusing on Maqāṣid al‑Sharīʿah and consultation. Noteworthy works include:

• Imam Al‑Shatibi’s Theory of the Higher Objectives and Intents of Islamic Law (2005) (en.wikipedia.org)

• Al‑Shura: The Qur’anic Principle of Consultation (2011) (en.wikipedia.org)

• The Fundamental Rules of the Science on Sharīʿah Objectives (2014)

• Qawāʻid al‑maqāṣid (2019)

• Maqāṣid al‑āyāt (2017) (en.wikipedia.org)

🏛️ Public Positions & Controversies

• Known for critical views on Moroccan religious and political reforms, including the King's role in issuing fatwas and family law changes (en.wikipedia.org).

• Vocal on regional politics: opposed normalization between Gulf states and Israel .

• Faced backlash in 2022 for remarks suggesting Mauritania's existence was a “mistake”; led to withdrawal of support from some scholars and his eventual retirement from the IUMS (en.wikipedia.org).

👤 Personal Details

• Married with five children.

• Brother of journalist Soulaimane Raissouni and uncle to Hajar Raissouni (muslim-library.com, en.wikipedia.org).

Summary

Ahmad al‑Raysuni is a prominent Moroccan Islamic scholar and jurist renowned for his expertise in Maqāṣid al‑Sharīʿah, leadership in Islamic organizations, influential publications, and outspoken public stances. His career spans academia, activism, and religious guidance, often stirring robust discussions.

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