He works as the head of the English Department, Faculty of Languages & Translation, Al-Azhar University.
He memorized the Glorious Qur’an at the tender age of eleven while pursuing his studies in the Al-Azhar system of schools in Egypt.
After graduating from the university, he went on to lecture in the Faculty of Usool ad-Deen (Theology) from 1970-1975, focusing on Da`wah (calling to Islam) and Comparative Religions.
He subsequently prepared his doctoral thesis on Comparative Religions at the University of Exeter, which was obtained in 1985.
Dr. Abu Laylah has participated in numerous national and international conferences and inter-faith dialogues.
He has written books both in Arabic and in English, among them: Faith Meets Faith, In Pursuit of Virtue, The Qur’an from Orientalists’ Point of View, The Qur'an and the Gospels: A Comparative Study, and Faith, Reason, and Spirit.
He currently serves as co-editor of the Journal of Qur’an Studies, London University, and has been the recipient of the International Educator Hall of Fame Award.