Mohammed Abdul Sattar
Mohammed Abdul Sattar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 Tartus, Syria |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known for | Minister of Awqaf of Syria |
Mohammed Abdul Sattar () (born 1958 in Tartus) held the position of Syria's Minister of Awqaf.
Early life, education, and career
Originating from a Sunni Muslim household in Tartus, Sattar completed a Degree in Economy and Trade in 1980 and later obtained a PhD in Islamic Studies from Damascus University in 2000.
Career
Between 1985 and 2002, Sattar served as the Director of Religious Endowments and Mufti for Tartous Province. He was promoted to Assistant Minister of Religious Endowments for Religious Affairs in 2002, before his appointment as Minister of Awqaf in 2007.
Throughout the Syrian civil war that began in 2011, Sattar was among the Sunni community members who supported the Assad government. President Bashar al-Assad reaffirmed his ministerial role in July 2016. In his capacity as minister, Sattar has taken part in various conferences and delivered speeches endorsing the regime’s anti-terrorism policies.
Since 2012, Sattar has been listed on the U.S. Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals List, resulting in asset freezes and prohibitions on transactions with U.S. citizens. Additionally, he faces financial sanctions imposed by the UK and restrictive measures from the EU due to his involvement in the regime’s suppression of civilian populations.
Contact with other religious groups in Syria
Sunni Muslims represent approximately 70% of Syria's population, while Christians account for nearly 10%. Although a minority, Christians have maintained political influence, with many Christian militants supporting Bashar al-Assad during the uprising as a means of safeguarding themselves against Islamist groups. Sattar actively engaged with Christian authorities to sustain dialogue and encourage their backing of government initiatives. At the Preachers and Imams Forum held in Tartus in March 2013, he highlighted the importance of Muslim-Christian cooperation to advance tolerance. Later, in June 2014, Sattar joined Muslim scholars in meeting Patriarch of Antioch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church, where both parties advocated for interfaith collaboration to promote peace.
Personal life
Sattar is married and has three children.
See also
External links
- Ministry of Aqwaf official government website