As'ad Shukeiri

Grand Mufti of Jerusalem

As'ad Shukeiri was a prominent Palestinian figure, renowned for his expertise in religious scholarship and his involvement in political leadership. He held various significant positions, including serving as the mayor of Acre and the Ottoman-appointed qadi from 1914 to 1918. His career was marked by his affiliation with the Ottoman Empire, which reflects his political stance during that period.

Shukeiri's political leanings were pro-Ottoman, and he advocated for Palestine to remain under the Ottoman Empire's jurisdiction. This stance is evident in his election to the Ottoman parliament in 1908 and again in 1912. Notably, his views differed from those of Kamil al-Husayni, the Hanafi mufti at the time, who was considered pro-British. Shukeiri's leadership and scholarly background ultimately led him to become the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, a position that underscored his influence and reputation in Palestinian society.