Egypyt's scholar on Islamic law. As an Egyptian native and one of the most respected scholars on Islamic law, Dr Ali Gomaa overseas Dar al-Ifta, Egypt's highest body for delivering opinions on religious law. The Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, since 2003, Dr Gomaa was formerly a professor of Jurisprudence at Al Azhar University. He specialised in usul al-fiqh, and has published over twenty-five books on various topics in Islam. He has also issued a number fatwas during his tenure on topics ranging from gender equality to democracy. In addition to regular media appearances on Egyptian television, Dr Gomaa has been especially vocal in reaching out to non-Muslim media outlets as a means of promoting Islamic institutions in the non-Muslim world. Western media outlets have heralded his approach to Islam as moderate and in tune with modern realities.