Judge, broadcaster, author, editor, teacher and orator. Shaikh al-Tantawi was involved in the independence of Syria, and while in Iraq, he inspired Iraqi students for Jihad against British rule in Iraq. In early 1950s, he was in the forefront mobilising support for the struggle of independence in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco from France. He travelled to Muslim countries to raise funds for Palestine. He stood out for freedom as a God-given human right. Shaikh al-Tantawi was involved in the formulation of the family laws in Syria and Egypt. In 1990, Shaikh al-Tantawi was awarded King Faisal International Prize for service to the cause of Islam. Shaikh al-Tantawi authored many books on a wide variety of subjects but A Brief Introduction to Islamic Faith remained his favourite. His memoirs were published in eight volumes. Shaikh Ali al-Tantawi was born in Damascus and died in Jeddah where he was residing since 1963.