UAE Professor Makes History at Zayed Book Award Ceremony

Sheik Zayed Book Award’s 19th edition has reached new heights with over 4,000 submissions coming from 75 countries. Twenty Arab nations participated in this remarkable achievement. Seven countries now share the spotlight as winners: Lebanon, Morocco, Italy, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Japan, and the UAE. This diverse representation proves the award’s global influence. Expert judging panels and the Scientific Committee have maintained strict literary and cultural standards to select the winners.

The award shows its steadfast dedication to literary excellence through generous prizes. Winners in each category receive AED 750,000 ($204,000), a gold medal, and a certificate. Celebrated Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami, named Cultural Personality of the Year, takes home AED 1 million ($272,000). His Excellency Sheik Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan leads this prestigious initiative that establishes UAE as a global creative and knowledge hub. This aligns perfectly with UAE’s vision of culture as the life-blood of green development.

Prof. Bechari Captures Prestigious Zayed Book Award with Groundbreaking Research

The prestigious Zayed Book Award has recognized Emirati Prof. Dr. Mohammed Bechari’s groundbreaking work “The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women’s Rights.” His 2024 publication by Nahdet Misr Publishing won in the Contribution to the Development of Nations category. This scholarly achievement represents one of the most important advances in contemporary Islamic jurisprudence, especially regarding women’s rights within Islamic frameworks.

How ‘The Right to Strive’ Redefines Islamic Jurisprudence

Dr. Bechari’s work focuses on the jurisprudential and foundational study of “striving and effort” (jihad) in Islam. He gets into jihad’s broader meaning as “the effort to achieve a moral aim”, moving beyond common misconceptions. His book offers a complete analysis of this principle’s adaptation to modern social developments, particularly regarding women’s rights.

Dr. Bechari earned his PhD from AIX University with a thesis on “Analogy According to Al-Ghazali”. His background as a Professor of Fiqh and Jurisprudence helps him strengthen the concept of women as equal partners in society. His work stands out because it tackles contemporary social challenges through careful academic analysis of traditional texts.

The book builds on Islamic principles that state human rights in Islam are “firmly rooted in the belief that God alone is the Law Giver and the Source of all human rights”. Bechari shows how these divine-given rights apply equally to women.

Methodology Merges Traditional Texts with Contemporary Analysis

Bechari’s unique approach combines traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary analytical frameworks. He uses a clear academic method supported by credible sources. This makes his work both available to readers and scholarly in nature.

His research follows recent trends in Islamic studies that have moved “from source- and historical-critical into textual analytical approaches”. Scholars can now uncover literary and linguistic elements of traditional texts using systematic applications from contemporary literary theory.

Bechari’s work shows what scholars call “the Islamization approach.” This approach needs to be “based on the philosophy, principles and ethics of Islamic research centered on Islamic views”. His methodology proves that Islamic jurisprudence can keep its traditional foundations while addressing modern challenges, especially women’s roles and rights.

The jury praised the book as “a notable addition to Arab and international libraries”. They recognized how it could reshape discussions about women’s rights in Islamic contexts. Bechari’s careful scholarship creates a framework that upholds Islamic principles while promoting equality and adaptation to today’s social needs.

Scholar’s Journey Reveals Dedication to Women’s Rights in Islamic Context

Dr. Mohammed Bechari’s scholarly work on women’s rights in Islam shows years of dedicated research and steadfast dedication to Islamic jurisprudence. His award-winning work proves his scholarly achievements that address religion and gender equality.

From Academic Beginnings to International Recognition

Bechari developed a jurisprudential framework that acknowledges women’s rights within Islamic tradition. His groundbreaking research concluded with “The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women’s Rights,” which offers a detailed analysis of Islamic principles adapting to today’s social needs. The book’s direct academic approach with credible sources has made it “a notable addition to Arab and international libraries”. The Zayed Book Award recognition marks the height of his scholarly achievements. This places him among distinguished thinkers who address women’s rights through an Islamic framework.

Personal Experiences Shape Research Focus

Bechari’s research stems from seeing the gap between Islamic principles of justice and Muslim women’s daily lives. His work tackles what scholars identify as a concerning trend where “some representatives of political Islam are trying to distinguish themselves at the expense of women”. Bechari’s analysis challenges using religion to prevent women’s legal protections—an idea that contradicts Islam’s core values. His work reflects scholarly views that stress the need to “de-tangle fiqh from sharia” to examine Islamic laws based on incorrect assumptions.

Mentors and Influences Behind the Work

Bechari’s intellectual framework builds on Islamic scholarship traditions about women’s rights. His methods resemble those used by renowned scholars like Amina Wadud, who wrote pioneering critiques of patriarchal Quran interpretations. His work matches academic views that recognize how Islam improves “women’s status in society” by putting them “on an equal basis with men”. His research methods show growing academic understanding that Islamic feminism “derives its understanding and mandate from the Qur’an, seeks rights and justice for women, and for men, in the totality of their existence”.

Book Challenges Traditional Interpretations of Women’s Roles in Islam

Prof. Bechari’s award-winning book offers a fresh viewpoint on women’s rights within Islamic frameworks. “The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women’s Rights” challenges long-held patriarchal interpretations through careful scholarship and jurisprudential analysis.

Key Arguments That Earned Jury’s Attention

The jury praised Bechari’s outstanding work that provides “a jurisprudential and foundational study of the concept of ‘striving and effort’ in Islam”. His main argument centers on Islam’s natural ability to adapt to modern social developments, particularly regarding gender equality. The book stands out because of its “straightforward academic approach backed by credible sources”. It makes complex theological concepts available without sacrificing scholarly depth.

Bechari shows how Islamic principles naturally support “involving women as equal partners in society”, unlike more limiting interpretations. His work lines up with scholarly viewpoints that the Qur’an “clearly instates the principle of equality among all humans”. This challenges misogynistic readings that place women in subordinate positions.

How the Research Addresses Contemporary Social Challenges

The research tackles what many scholars see as “a misconception in the West that women are subjugated within Islam”. Bechari’s detailed textual analysis reveals that cultural norms—not Islamic teachings—often restrict women’s roles.

The book also explores the challenge faced by “Muslim women who want to be good Muslims and want to also have their rights”. Bechari strengthens women’s position within authentic Islamic frameworks by separating divine revelation from human interpretation.

Critical Reception Among Islamic Scholars

Islamic scholars have engaged in substantial discussions about this work. Many recognize that Bechari’s methods match those of respected scholars who “provide contextual readings and alternative interpretations of Islamic text”. His approach reflects academic views that acknowledge Islam’s role in improving “women’s status in society”.

In spite of that, some traditional scholars question reinterpretations that challenge 1400-year-old jurisprudence. The book’s recognition as “a notable addition to Arab and international libraries” highlights its growing impact on discussions about women’s rights in Islamic contexts.

UAE Academic Institutions Celebrate Homegrown Talent at Award Ceremony

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UAE academic institutions are getting ready to celebrate Prof. Mohammed Bechari’s win among distinguished recipients of the 19th Sheik Zayed Book Award. The celebrations will conclude at the official award ceremony on Monday, April 28, 2025, during the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

University Colleagues Praise Contribution to Field

Emirates faculty members admire Bechari’s groundbreaking research on women’s rights in Islamic jurisprudence. His work substantially improves the UAE‘s standing in global academic discourse. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman, noted that the Sheik Zayed Book Award “reinforces the UAE’s position as a global center for creativity and knowledge”.

Bechari’s accomplishment means more than personal recognition—it shows the Emirates’ growing influence in Islamic scholarship. His book “The Right to Strive: Perspectives on Muslim Women’s Rights” earned praise for its “straightforward academic approach backed by credible sources” and stands as “a notable addition to Arab and international libraries”.

Winners in each category receive AED 750,000 (approximately $204,000), a gold medal, and a certificate of appreciation. This prestigious honor puts Bechari among winners from six other countries: the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Morocco.

Impact on Next Generation of Emirati Researchers

Young Emirati scholars, especially those studying Islamic jurisprudence and women’s rights, will find inspiration in Bechari’s achievement. UAE-based research can now reach international prominence in any discipline.

Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Secretary-General of the Sheik Zayed Book Award, highlighted how the winning works stood out for their “depth, originality, and insightful exploration of themes that appeal to the human spirit”. New researchers can use this recognition as a guide to create work that connects traditional knowledge with modern challenges.

The award’s growth shows increasing global interest in Arab scholarship. With over 4,000 applications from 75 countries, young Emirati researchers now have more opportunities to join international academic discussions.

Prof. Mohammed Bechari has marked a significant milestone for UAE academia with his win at the 19th Sheik Zayed Book Award. His innovative research “The Right to Strive: Views on Muslim Women’s Rights” challenges traditional interpretations without compromising scholarly excellence. His work creates a solid foundation to address women’s rights through authentic Islamic principles.

This recognition strengthens UAE’s status as a center of academic excellence. Bechari blends traditional Islamic scholarship with modern analysis to create new paths for future researchers. His victory among scholars from six other nations shows the award’s worldwide influence and distinction.

Bechari’s work goes well beyond academic boundaries. His research provides real-world solutions that align Islamic principles with modern social needs, especially when dealing with gender equality. This achievement celebrates both individual scholarship and pushes forward the ongoing discussion about women’s rights in Islamic contexts.

Prof. Bechari’s contribution through the Sheik Zayed Book Award shows UAE’s steadfast dedication to promote intellectual growth and cultural understanding. This recognition will inspire future Emirati scholars to bridge traditional knowledge with modern challenges.