Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905) was an influential Egyptian Islamic scholar and reformer. He is best known for his efforts to modernize Islamic thought and education, advocating for a rational interpretation of the Quran and promoting the compatibility of Islam with modern science and philosophy. Abduh played a significant role in the Al-Azhar University reform movement, aiming to make it a center for modern learning. Abduh was also a prominent figure in the Nahda, or Arab Renaissance, which sought to revive Arab culture and intellectual life. His writings and teachings emphasized the importance of ijtihad, or independent reasoning, in understanding Islam. Through his work, he inspired future generations of Muslim thinkers and reformers.