MADINAH — The memory of Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Ayoub, former imam of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah who died on Saturday, remains in the hearts of the people of Madinah in particular and the Saudi people as a whole. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Ayoub was appointed imam of the Prophet's Mosque in 1989. In 1996, he left the post. After 19 years, he requested from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to reappoint him as imam of the Prophet's Mosque. Sheikh Ayoub's wish was granted and he was appointed again last Ramadan. Sheikh Ayoub died at the age 65 following a long battle with illness for years. After he was appointed as an imam for the Prophet's Mosque again last Ramadan, people noticed that the job was a strain on his health. On the sixth night of Ramadan, the Sheikh could not complete the Taraweeh prayer after the second prayer. Sheikh Ahmad Talib Bin Humaid had to take over and complete it that day. Sheikh Ayoub was also known for his euphonic recitation of the Holy Qur'an. He was taught by several sheikhs of the Hijaz including Zaki Daghastani, Sheikh Khaleel Abdulrahman Al-Qari at Binladin Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, Sheikh Abdulaziz Muhammad Othman, Sheikh Akram Dhiya Al-Amri, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Amin Al-Shiqiti and Sheikh Abdulmuhsin Al-Abbad. He studied and memorized the Holy Qur'an at the age of 12. He studied the Qur'an, the interpretation of its verses and Qur'an sciences. He completed his Bachelor's in Shariah Studies from the Islamic University in 1976. He then completed his Master's Degree in Qur'anic Sciences and Interpretations from the Islamic University. He was a university professor for over 10 years. He also earned his PhD in 1987. He is a member of several religious organizations and has a thick portfolio of diplomas and degrees. The late Sheikh Muhammad Ayoub was born in Makkah in 1952. He had two wives and his family comprised 13 people. He is survived by five sons.
