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Abu Zayd left a lasting legacy on the Quran that will continue to be of interest to all those interested in its history, its meaning and its reception. He was born in a small village near Tanta called Quhafa. There, he memorized this Qur'an as part of his basic education, and also acquired a technical education in telecommunications. He continued his studies at Cairo University at a mature age; obtaining a BA (Arabic Studies) in 1972, MA in 1977 and finally a Phd in 1981 in Islamic Studies. While most of his studies were completed at Cairo University, he also spent time at the American University in Cairo (1975-1977) and the Center for Middle East Studies of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia USA (1978-1979).
Abu Zayd then moved through the ranks of the University until he applied for a full professorship in 1992. He had by then published three full-length books and numerous articles, and had also spent five years as guest professor at Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan (1984 to 1989). His application for promotion was opposed by one member of an examining...