Ahmed el-Tayyeb, a Muslim scholar noted for his moderate views, has become Egypt's Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, which is Sunni Islam's most influential seat of learning. President Hosni Mubarak, now recuperating in Germany from a gallbladder operation, el-Tayyeb succeeds Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi, who died during a visit to Saudi Arabia on March 10. El Tayeb, 64, is the incumbent president of Al Azhar University, a post he has been holding since 2003. In 2002 he had served for 18 months as the Mufti of the Republic. Born in the Upper Egyptian town of Luxor, el-Tayyeb studied Islamic theology and philosophy at Al Azhar University where he graduated in 1969. He got his MA degree in 1971 and obtained his PhD in Islamic philosophy from the Sorbonne University in France. With an academic career spanning over 40 years, he headed several colleges at Al Azhar University. He also taught in several Islamic countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Pakistan. He has to his name many books on Islamic theology and contemporary issues. In addition, he has translated several books from French into Arabic. Since becoming the President of Al Azhar, Al Tayeb has shown interest in promoting inter-faith dialogue and links with the West. He is often seen clad in Western-style suits. A few years ago, he angered the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's banned-but-strongest opposition force, when he punished Islamist students, who participated in a paramilitary parade on the campus.