Dato' Syeikh Mahmood was born on 5 May, 1926 in Kuala Lumpur. He received his early education in the Alor Merah Malay School, Alor Setar from 1932 until 1936. He then continued his studies at the Mahmud College from 1937 until 1945. From November 1950 until October 1951, he studied at Khismul Am and subsequently from October 1951, he was offered a scholarship to study Kuliah Usulluddin at the Al- Azhar University, Egypt for four years. After obtaining his 'Shahadah Al-Aliah Usulluddin , he studied 'Kuliah Lughah' at the same university from Nov. 1954 until Nov. 1955, from where he graduated with 'Shahadah Al-Alimiah Ma'aijazatitaddris'.

Career

• Teacher, Mahmud College (June 1957-1962)
  
• Director, Pilgrim's Fund and Management Board (LUTH), Kedah (1 July 1963-1979)
  
• Public Relations Chief, LUTH (2 Oct. 1979- May 1980)
  
• Islamic Affairs Officer, Prime Minister's Department (1981- 1984)
  
• Member, Kedah State Islamic Council
  
• Member, Administrative Board of Mahmud College
  
• Member, Maahad Tahfiz Board
  
• Member, International Committee on 'Siasah Syariah Zakat'
  
• Teacher, Maahad Tahfiz

Social and Professional Involvements

• Secretary, Malay Students Association, Cairo
  
• Committee Member, Association of Former Students of the Middle East
  
• Committee Member, Taska Masjid Zahir
  
• Member of UMNO Religious Bureau

Dato' Syeikh Mahmood also has a keen interest in writing and has produced a number of articles and books that focus on religion. Among his many works are books entitled. "Performance of the Haj (Ibadat Haji) ", "The Family in Islam (Kekeluargaan Dalam Islam)", "The Break-up of the Islamic Community and Its Implications (Perpecahan Umat Islam dan Akibatnya)", "The Role of the Mosque in the Development of The Muslim Community (Peranan Masjid dalam Pembentukan Ummah)", "Brochure on Tithe Payment (Risalah Zakat)", "Collection and Distribution of Tithe is the Ruler's Prerogative (Kutipan dan Pengagihan Zakat Adalah Hak Ulil Amri (Sultan)" and "The Role of Women in Islam (Peranan Wanita dalam Islam)".

In appreciation of his services of his service and contributions, he was awarded the Dato' Setia Diraja Kedah (D.S.D.K), the Ahli Mahkota Kedah (A.M.K.), the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N) and the Bintang Cemerlang Kedah (B.C.K.).