(1913-1974)

After obtaining his BA in Commerce from the Egyptian University (now Cairo University) in 1937, As-Sahhar became a novelist and a screen-play writer. As did most of his peers at that time, he began his literary career by writing a series of short stories which were published in al-Resalah and al-Thaqafa magaizines. He later started writing historical novels, the first two of which were Ahmus, Hero of Independence and Princess of Cordoba.

His Islamic writings were many. They included Abu Zer al-Ghaffari, Bellal: the Prophet's Prayer Caller, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu Bakrs, and the 20-volume Muhammad: the Messenger of God and his companions, which turned into a widely acclaimed television series.

The first movie he wrote and produced was Darb al-Mahabeel (the Alleyway of the Half-Witted) followed by Air Fools, the Other Half, Almaz & Abdu al-Hamouli, My Wife the Director-General, the Bride's Mother, and the Grandson. His movie Nour al-Islam (Light of Islam) directed by Salah Abu Sief was a major success.

He became member of the Publishing Committee for University Graduates, which brought into light Naguib Mahfouz's early writings.

As-Sahhar's last post was editor-in-chief of the Cinema magazine (1973).