Renowned Shariah experts Sheikh Abdullah Bin Sulaiman Al-Manee of Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Mohammed Mukhtar Al-Salami of Tunisia have jointly been awarded the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) prize for 2007 (1428H) in recognition of their contributions to Islamic banking and finance. This was announced by the IDB here Tuesday. Congratulating the laureates, IDB President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali commended their achievements and wished them continued success in their endeavors, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The selection committee, chaired by Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, Chairman of the Islamic Chambers of Commerce and one of the pioneers in Islamic banking and finance, was composed of eminent personalities and experts from outside the bank. A report on IDB website said Sheikh Manee, a distinguished figure in Islamic economics and a recognized authority on the subject of Islamic Fiqh and its origin, currently holds the position of President of the Court of Cassation in the Western Region. He has held other important positions in the spheres of Ifta, judiciary and Islamic economics. Sheikh Manee is also well-known for his rulings and published articles in these fields, especially his paper “cash its truth, history, value and wisdom.” Sheikh Salami is the recipient of a number of medals and awards from Tunisia along with prestigious international awards that are testament to his high academic achievements. He is recognized as a distinguished figure at economic conferences and seminars all over the world and has published a number of works including “Financial System in Islam” and “Scientific Miracles in the Qur'an.” Sheikh Salami's vast experience enables him to make invaluable contributions in the field of Islamic finance through his position as a university professor and his leadership and membership of a large number of organizations, companies and institutions. The IDB prize was established in 1988 to recognize, reward and encourage activities of outstanding merit in the promotion of Islamic economics, banking and finance. Sheikh Manee and Sheikh Salami will receive their awards during the IDB Governors annual meeting from June 3
