
Dr. Mohammed Ali Belaoo
British Islamic Scholar, Preacher, and Educator
Dr. Mohammed Ali Belaoo is a distinguished British Islamic scholar and preacher of Libyan origin, renowned for his expertise in the jurisprudence of Muslim minorities and his contributions to Islamic education and advocacy. With a career dedicated to training imams, preachers, and Islamic center directors, he also serves as a university professor at several British institutions and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).
Early Life and Education
Born in Libya. He completed the memorization of the Qur’an by the age of 11 and mastered the ten Qira’aat (recitations) of the Qur’an by 16, becoming the youngest in his hometown to lead Taraweeh prayers.
He pursued his undergraduate and master’s studies at Asmariya University for Islamic Sciences in Libya, graduating with honors in Sharia and Law. His master’s thesis, Preference Based on Objectives and Its Impact on Jurisprudence in the Maliki School, was awarded distinction and recommended for publication.
Dr. Belaoo holds two PhDs:
- Aqidah (Islamic Theology) and Islamic Thought from Al-Qarawiyyin University, Morocco (awarded with high distinction).
- Maqasid (Objectives of Islamic Law) from Beirut Islamic University.
He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Administrative Leadership and a postdoctoral qualification from Newman University in Birmingham, UK.
Additionally, he has obtained multiple Ijazahs (certifications) in the Ten Quranic Recitations, Hadith, Fiqh, and Tajweed, with an unbroken chain of transmission.
Professional Contributions
Dr. Belaoo is a pioneering figure in Islamic education and community leadership. He worked for several key institutions, including:
- Libyan Fatwa House ( Mufti & Researcher) 2012-2013.
- The Islamic University of Al Saied Mohamed Bin Ali Al sanussi ( Lecturer) 2012-2013.
- Hamad bin Khalifa Civilisation Centre in Denmark (Islamic Consultant) – 2014-2016
- European Institute of Human Sciences in Birmingham (professor-director of Academic Affairs) – 2016
- European Halal Development Agency in Birmingham (Director of Fatwa Committee)- 2021- present
- Scholars Forum (Founder and Senior member) – 2015-2019
- The British Board of Scholars & Imams ( Council Member) 2024- Present.
- The British Majlis of Arbitration and Family reform (Founder and president) – 2024- present
- Birmingham Muslim College (Director) – 2024- present
- European Quran Competition (Senior Judge) -2016-2019
- Imam for Training and Development (Founder and president) – 2023-present
- Abrahamic Foundation (CEO) – 2024-present
- Fatwa Council UK (Member) 2019- Present.
- Consultant in many banks and companies in Islamic Finance
- The Imam Al-Dani Academy for Qur’an Memorization, Birmingham.
Dr. Belaoo frequently delivers lectures, sermons, and training programs worldwide, addressing contemporary challenges faced by Muslim minorities and the global Islamic community.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Belaoo’s scholarly excellence has earned him prestigious international accolades, including:
- The King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition (Quran memorization and interpretation category).
- The Maliki School Shield from the Moroccan Islamic Council in Scandinavia.
Publications and Research
A prolific author, Dr. Belaoo has written extensively on Islamic jurisprudence, spirituality, and ethics. His works, translated into multiple languages, include:
- The Ruling of the Overpowering Leader: From State Crisis to the Issue of Succession.
- Introduction to Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik.
- Preference Based on Objectives and Its Impact on Jurisprudence in the Maliki School.
- Encyclopedia of Contemporary Medical and Epidemic Issues.
- Scholarly Sufficiency: A Critical Diagnostic Study of the Scholarly Reality and Pathways for Reform.
- Landmarks of Renewal and the Foundations of Objective Reasoning in the Jurisprudence of Minorities
- Refinement of “The Enlightenment of Pure Hearts”
- Preference Based on Objectives and Its Impact on Jurisprudence in the Maliki School
- The Framework of Maqāṣid (Higher Objectives of Islamic Law) in the Thought of Judge ‘Abd al-Wahhāb
- Explanation of Grammatical Realities
- Verification of “Healing the Heart with the Ten Issues” by al-Sanūsī
- Guidelines for Ijtihād (Independent Juridical Reasoning) Based on Maqāṣid
- Misconceptions Raised About Women in Islam
Legacy and Influence
Dr. Mohammed Ali Belaoo continues to be a leading voice in the advancement of Islamic education, family values, and community leadership. His work bridges traditional Islamic scholarship with modern-day applications, making him a respected authority in addressing the challenges of contemporary Muslim societies.