ridwansayyed@gmail.com
Dr. Ridwan Al-Sayyid is a distinguished scholar and professor specializing in Islamic studies, philosophy, and political thought. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Al-Sayyid has made significant contributions to the fields of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Lebanese University, the University of Sana’a, and the University of Harvard, where he has shared his expertise in subjects ranging from Islamic jurisprudence (Uṣūl al-Fiqh) to Islamic theology (Ilm al-Kalām), Islamic philosophy, and the historical development of Islamic thought.
Dr. Al-Sayyid holds a vast teaching portfolio and has been involved in higher education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he has held leadership positions such as the editor-in-chief of several academic journals, including Al-Fikr al-Islami and Al-Fikr al-Arabi, and served as the director of the Institute of Islamic Studies. His academic influence is also evident through his role as a consultant for various international bodies, such as the International Red Cross and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Advisory Council.
Dr. Al-Sayyid's scholarly work is recognized globally, and he has participated in numerous international conferences on Islamic thought, political theory, and interfaith dialogue. His publications, which include works on the history of Islamic thought, the intersection of Islam and modernity, and the concept of justice in Islamic philosophy, have earned him a reputation as a leading intellectual in contemporary Islamic studies.
His research interests continue to include the political and theological debates within the Islamic world, as well as the interaction between Islamic and Western intellectual traditions. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the King Faisal Prize for Islamic Studies in 2017, recognizing his lifelong contributions to the field.
In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Al-Sayyid remains a prominent voice in discussions on the future of Islamic thought and its role in shaping both regional and global discourse on religion, politics, and society.