Al-Azhar University

()
Jmiat al-Azhar (al-Sharf)
Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo Egypt
Established 970~972
Type Public
Religious
affiliation
Shia Islam until fall of Fatimid Dynasty,
Currently Sunni Islam
1
President Usama al-Abd
Location Cairo, Egypt
300245N 311545E
Campus Urban
Website http://www.alazhar.gov.eg/
(http://www.alazhar.gov.eg/Default_en.aspx)
1
Between 972 and 1171 CE, al-Azhar followed the Ismaili branch of
Shia Islam
Al-Azhar University
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Al Azhar)
Al-Azhar University (AHZ-har ; Arabic:
() Jmiat al-Azhar (al-Sharf), IPA: [met
elzh eif], "the (honorable) Azhar University")
is a university in Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970 or 972
by the Fatimids as a madrasa, or centre of Islamic
learning, its students studied the Qur'an and Islamic law
in detail, along with logic, grammar, rhetoric, and how
to calculate the lunar phases of the moon. By bringing
together the study of a number of subjects in the same
place it was one of the first universities in the world and
the only one to survive as a modern university including
secular subjects in the curriculum. It is today the chief
centre of Arabic literature and Islamic learning in the
world.
[1]
It is the oldest degree-granting university in
Egypt. In 1961 additional non-religious subjects were
added to its curriculum.
[2]
It is associated with Al-Azhar Mosque in Islamic Cairo.
The university's mission includes the propagation of
Islamic religion and culture. To this end, its Islamic
scholars (ulamas) render edicts (fatwas) on disputes
submitted to them from all over the Sunni Islamic world
regarding proper conduct for Muslim individuals and
societies. Al-Azhar also trains Egyptian government-
appointed preachers in proselytization
(da'wa).
[citation needed]
Its library is considered second in importance in Egypt
only to the Egyptian National Library and
Archives.
[citation needed]
In May 2005, Al-Azhar in
partnership with a Dubai information technology
enterprise, ITEP
(http://www.itep.ae/english/AboutUS/aboutus.asp)
launched the H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Project to Preserve Al Azhar Scripts and
Publish Them Online (the "Al-Azhar Online Project")
with the mission of eventually providing online access to
the library's entire rare manuscripts collection
(comprising about seven million pages).
[3][4]
Contents
Coordinat es: 300245N 311545E
Interior of Al-Azhar mosque
Faculty of Humanities - Al-Azhar
University - Gaza.
1 History
2 Religious ideology
3 Council of Senior Scholars
4 Political views
4.1 On freedom of speech
5 Notable people associated with the university
5.1 10th early 11th centuries
5.2 19th early 20th centuries
5.3 1910s1950s
5.4 1950present
6 References
7 Further reading
8 External links
History
The madrasa is one of the relics of the Isma'ili Shi'a Fatimid dynasty era
of Egypt, descended from Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad and Ali son-
in-law and cousin of prophet Muhammad. Fatimah, was called Al-Zahra
(The luminous), and it was named in her honor.
[5]
It was founded as
mosque by the Fatimid commander Jawhar at the orders of the Caliph
and Ismaili Imam Al-Muizz as he founded the city for Cairo. It was
(probably on Saturday) in Jamadi al-Awwal in the year 359 A.H. Its
building was completed on the 9th of Ramadan in the year 361 A.H.(972
AD) Both Al-'Aziz Billah and Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah added to its
premises. It was further repaired, renovated and extended by Al-
Mustansir Billah and Al-Hafiz Li-Din-illah. Fatimid Caliphs always
encouraged scholars and jurists to have their study-circles and gatherings
in this mosque and thus it was turned into a university which has the claim
to be considered as the oldest University still functioning.
[6]
Studies began at Al-Azhar in the month of Ramadan, 975. According to
Syed Farid Alatas, the Jami'ah had faculties in Islamic law and jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, Islamic astronomy,
Islamic philosophy, and logic.
[7][8]
The Fatimids gave attention to the philosophical studies at the time when rulers in
other countries declared those who were engaged in philosophical pursuits as apostates and heretics. The Greek
thought found a warm reception with the Fatimids who expanded the boundaries of such studies. They paid much
attention to philosophy and gave support to everyone who was known for being engaged in the study of any branch
of philosophy. The Fatimid Caliph invited many scholars from nearby countries and paid much attention to college
books on various branches of knowledge and in gathering the finest writing on various subjects and this in order to
encourage scholars and to uphold the cause of knowledge. These books were destroyed by Salah-ud-Din Ayyubi
in the same manner in which he exterminated the Fatimids and thus these Fatimid treasure were lost forever.
[6]
In
the 12th century, following the overthrow of the Ismaili Shia Fatimid dynasty, Sultan Saladin (the founder of the
staunchly Sunni Ayyubid Dynasty) converted Al-Azhar to a Shafi'ite Sunni center of learning.
[1][9]
Abd-el-latif
delivered lectures on Islamic medicine at Al-Azhar, while the Jewish philosopher Maimonides delivered lectures on
medicine and astronomy there during the time of Saladin.
[10]
An entrance to the mosque and
university. The Minaret of Qunsah al
Ghuri is visible on the right.
Floor plan of Al Azhar Mosque
An Azhari institute in Tanta
In 1961, Al-Azhar was established as a university under the government
of Egypt's second President Gamal Abdel Nasser when a wide range of
secular faculties were added for the first time, such as business,
economics, science, pharmacy, medicine, engineering and agriculture.
Before that date, the Encyclopaedia of Islam classifies the Al-Azhar
variously as madrasa, center of higher learning and, since the 19th
century, religious university, but not as a university in the full sense,
referring to the modern transition process as "from madrasa to
university".
[2][11]
An Islamic women's faculty was also added in the same
year, six years after Zaib-un-Nissa Hamidullah had been the first woman
to speak at the university.
[citation needed]
.
Religious ideology
Al-Azhar has a membership that represents the theological schools of Al-
Ashari and Al-Maturidi, the four schools of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence
(Hanafi, Malaki, Shafi, and Hanbali), and the seven main Sufi orders.
[12]
Al-Azhar has had an antagonistic relationship with Wahhabism or
Salafism.
[13]
According to a 2011 report issued by the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace, Al Azhar is strongly Sufi in
character:
"Adherence to a Sufi order has long been standard for both
professors and students in the al-Azhar mosque and university
system. Although al-Azhar is not monolithic, its identity has
been strongly associated with Sufism. The current Shaykh al-
Azhar (rector of the school), Ahmed el-Tayeb, is a hereditary
Sufi shaykh from Upper Egypt who has recently expressed his
support for the formation of a world Sufi league; the former
Grand Mufti of Egypt and senior al-Azhar scholar Ali Gomaa
is also a highly respected Sufi master."
[14]
The nineteenth and current Grand Mufti of Egypt and Al Azhar scholar,
Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam is also a Sufi.
Council of Senior Scholars
Al-Azhar University's Council of Senior Scholars (also known as the
Association of Senior Scholars) was originally founded in 1911 but was
replaced in 1961 by the Center for Islamic Research. In July 2012,
after the law restricting Al-Azhar University's autonomy was modified by
the incoming president Mohamed Morsi, the Council was reformed.
[15]
The Council consists of 40 members with 14 vacancies
[16]
all appointed by the current imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed
El-Tayeb,
[17]
who was appointed by the prior president, Hosni Mubarak. Once the remaining 14 vacancies are
filled, new vacancies will be appointed by the existing Council itself.
[16]
All four madhab (schools) of Sunni Islamic
jurisprudence are proportionally represented on the Council (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali, Maliki) and voting is on a
Gateway
Interior of a dome in Al-Azhar
mosque.
A chandelier adorns the woodworked
ceiling of a prayer hall.
majority basis.
[15]
In addition to El-Tayeb, other prominent members of the Council include the outgoing Grand
Mufti Ali Gomaa and Qatar-based Islamic scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
[18]
The Council is tasked with nominating
the Grand Mufti of Egypt (subject to presidential approval), electing the next Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque,
and is expected to be the final authority in determining if new legislation is compliant with Islamic law.
[15]
Although
the Council's decisions are not binding (absent new legislation), it is
expected that it would be difficult for the parliament to pass legislation
deemed by the Council as against Islamic law.
[15]
In January 2013, Al-Tayeb referred a relatively minor issue related to
Islamic bonds to the Council, for the first time asserting the Council's
jurisdiction.
[15]
In 2013, the Council elected Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-
Karim Allam to be the next Grand Mufti of Egypt. This marks the first
time that the Grand Mufti would be elected by Islamic scholars since the
position was created in 1895. Prior to this, the Egyptian head of state
made the appointment.
[17]
Political views
Sheikh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy noted that among the priorities of
Muslims are "to master all knowledge of the world and the hereafter, not
least the technology of modern weapons to strengthen and defend the
community and faith". He added that "mastery over modern weaponry is
important to prepare for any eventuality or prejudices of the others,
although Islam is a religion of peace".
[19]
Sheikh Tantawy also reasserted that his is the best faith to follow (a tenet
common to proponents of many religions) and that Muslims have the duty
of active da'wa. He has made declarations about Muslims interacting with
non-Muslims who are not a threat to Muslims. There are non-Muslims
living apart from Muslims and who are not enemies of Islam ("Muslims
are allowed to undertake exchanges of interests with these non-Muslims
so long as these ties do not tarnish the image of the faith"), and there are
"the non-Muslims who live in the same country as the Muslims in
cooperation and on friendly terms, and are not enemies of the faith" ("in
this case, their rights and responsibilities are the same as the Muslims so
long as they do not become enemies of Islam"). However, Shi'a fiqh
(according to a fatwa by Al-Azhar, the most respected authority in Sunni
Islam)
[20]
is accepted as a fifth school of Islamic thought.
On freedom of speech
In October 2007, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy, then the Grand Imam of
Al-Azhar, drew allegations of stifling freedom of speech when he asked
the Egyptian government to toughen its rules and punishments against
journalists. During a Friday sermon in the presence of Egyptian Prime
Minister Ahmed Nazif and a number of ministers, Tantawy was alleged to have stated that journalism which
A study hall
contributes to the spread of false rumours rather than true news deserved to be boycotted, and that it was
tantamount to sinning for readers to purchase such newspapers.
Tantawy, a supporter of then Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, also
called for a punishment of eighty lashes to "those who spread rumors" in
an indictment of speculation by journalists over Mubarak's ill health and
possible death.
[21][22]
This was not the first time that he had criticized the
Egyptian press regarding its news coverage nor the first time he in return
had been accused by the press of opposing freedom of speech. During a
religious celebration in the same month, Tantawy had released comments
alluding to "the arrogant and the pretenders who accuse others with the
ugliest vice and unsubstantiated charges". In response, Egypt's press
union issued a statement suggesting that Tantawy appeared to be
involved in inciting and escalating a campaign against journalists and
freedom of the press.
[23]
Tantawy died in 2010 and was succeeded by
Mohamed Ahmed el-Tayeb.
Notable people associated with the university
10th early 11th centuries
Fatimid commander Jawhar at the orders of the Caliph Al-Muizz (972)
Al-'Aziz Billah(975996) and Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah(9961021)
Al-Mustansir Billah(10211036) and Al-Hafiz Li-Din-illah
19th early 20th centuries
Muhammad Abduh and Sayd Jamal edin Afghani, founder of Islamic Modernism
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, founder and leader of Black Hand
Mohammad Amin al-Husayni, Mufti of Jerusalem
Ahmed Orabi, Egyptian nationalist and army general who led the Urabi Revolt against Khedive Tewfik
1910s1950s
Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood (he graduated from Darul 'Uloom which is an affiliate
of Cairo University)
Mehmed Handi, a leader of Bosnian revivalists, one of authors of Resolution of Sarajevo Muslims and
chairman of the Committee of National Salvation
Omar Abdel Rahman, leader of Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya, which has been designated a terrorist group by the
governments of the United States and Egypt; currently serving a life term for the 1993 World Trade Center
bombing
Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, the leader and founder of The Islamic Political Party, Hizb ut-Tahrir (The Party of
Liberation)
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, co-founder and leader of Hamas
Saad Zaghlul, leader of 1919 revolution in Egypt
Taha Hussein, Influential Egyptian writer and intellectual
Muhammad Ma Jian, translator of the Qur'an into the Chinese language
Ahmad Meshari Al-Adwani, Kuwaiti poet and writer of Kuwait's national anthem Al-Nasheed Al-Watani
Ahmad al-Ghumari, Moroccan cleric, enrolled in 1921, dropped out due to a death in the family
Abdullah al-Ghumari, Moroccan cleric, graduated from Azhar in 1931
Abu Turab al-Zahiri, Indian-born Saudi Arabian writer
1950present
Mohammed Burhanuddin, Dai of Dawoodi Bohra researched and rediscovered Al-Azhar University's past
History and was Awarded Ph.d from Al-Azhar University.
[24]
Shire Jama Ahmed, Somali linguist who devised a Latin script for the Somali language.
[25]
Mahmud Shaltut,
[citation needed]
Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, issued in 1959 a Fatwa, declaring that Al-
Azhar recognizes Shi'ism as a valid branch of Islam
Abdel-Halim Mahmoud,
[citation needed]
Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, introduced the study of Sufism as a
science through his writings and lectures on the matter
Ahmed Subhy Mansour,
[citation needed]
Islamic scholar, cleric, and founder of the Quranists, who was
exiled from Egypt, and lives in the United States as a political refugee
Taha Jabir Alalwani, President of Cordoba University (Ashburn, VA, USA), former Chairman of the Fiqh
Council of North America, and the President of the International Institute of Islamic Thought in Herndon,
Virginia (USA).
[26]
Gus Dur,
[citation needed]
Former President of Indonesia
Muhammad Sayyid Tantawy,
[citation needed]
former Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (March 17, 1996 to March
10, 2010)
Muhammad Metwally Al Shaarawy
[citation needed]
is an Egyptian Muslim jurist
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Former President of The Republic of Maldives.
Abdulla Saeed, Former Chief Justice, and Justice Supreme Court of The Republic of Maldives.
[27]
Abdulla Mohamed, Chief Judge, Criminal Court of The Republic of Maldives.
[27]
Fathulla Jameel, Former Foreign Minister of Maldives.
Muhammad Jameel Didi Maldives Author and writer
Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat Mursyidul Am (Spiritual Leader) of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and
former Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of the Malaysian state of Kelantan
Akhtar Raza Khan, the de-facto grand mufti of India.
[28]
List of Presidents of Al-Azhar University
List of universities in Egypt
Outside Egypt
Al-Azhar University Gaza
Al-Azhar University Doha
References
1. ^
a

b
Encyclopdia Britannica. "Britannica article" (http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-46851/al-Azhar-
University). Britannica article. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
2. ^
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b
Skovgaard-Petersen, Jakob. "al-Azhar, modern period." Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Edited by: Gudrun
Krmer, Denis Matringe, John Nawas and Everett Rowson. Brill, 2010, retrieved 20/03/2010:
Al-Azhar, the historic centre of higher Islamic learning in Cairo, has undergone significant change
since the late 19th century, with new regulations and reforms resulting in an expanded role for the
university. 1. From madrasa to university
3. ^ "AME Info.com, 26 September 2005" (http://www.ameinfo.com/68624.html). Ameinfo. Archived
(http://web.archive.org/web/20100419071542/http://www.ameinfo.com/68624.html) from the original on 19 April
2010. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
4. ^ ITEP press release, 10 October 2006
5. ^ Halm, Heinz. The Fatimids and their Traditions of Learning. London: The Institute of Ismaili Studies and I.B.
Tauris. 1997.
6. ^
a

b
Shorter Shi'ite Encyclopaedia, By: Hasan al-Amin, http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=574
7. ^ Alatas, Syed Farid (2006). "From Jami`ah to University: Multiculturalism and ChristianMuslim Dialogue".
Current Sociology 54 (1): 11232. doi:10.1177/0011392106058837
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1177%2F0011392106058837)
8. ^ Goddard, Hugh (2000). A History of Christian-Muslim Relations. Edinburgh University Press. p. 99. ISBN 0-
7486-1009-X
9. ^ Encyclopdia Britannica p.37 1993 edition ISBN 0-85229-571-5
10. ^ Necipogulu, Gulru (1996). Muqarnas, Volume 13. Brill Publishers. p. 56. ISBN 90-04-10633-2
11. ^ Jomier, J. "al- Azhar (al-j

mi al-Azhar)." Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th.

Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2010, retrieved 20/03/2010:
This great mosque, the 'brilliant one'...is one of the principal mosques of present-day Cairo. This seat
of learning...regained all its activitySunn from now onduring the reign of Sultan Baybars...Al-
Azhar at the beginning of the 19th century could well have been called a religious university; what it
was not was a complete university giving instruction in those modern disciplines essential to the
awakening of the country.
12. ^ Jadaliyya: "The Identity of Al-Azhar and Its Doctrine" by Ibrahim El-Houdaiby
(http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/6638/the-identity-of-al-azhar-and-its-doctrine) July 29, 2012
13. ^ Islamopedia: "Al-Azhars relations with other Sunni groups" (http://www.islamopediaonline.org/country-
profile/egypt/al-azhar-and-dar-al-ifta/al-azhar%E2%80%99s-relations-other-sunni-groups)
14. ^ Carnegie Endowment for International Peace" "Salafis and Sufis in Egypt" by Jonathon Brown
(http://carnegieendowment.org/files/salafis_sufis.pdf) December 2011 ] p 12
15. ^
a

b

c

d

e
Al Aribiya: "Senior scholars and the new Egyptian constitution" By Hani Nasira and Saeid al-Sonny
(http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/10/259734.html) January 10, 2013
16. ^
a

b
Foreign Policy magazine: "Egypts new mufti" By Nathan J. Brown
(http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/02/12/egypt_s_new_mufti) February 12, 2013
17. ^
a

b
New York Times: "Goodbye Pope, Hello Mufti" By ISSANDR EL AMRANI
(http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/goodbye-pope-hello-mufti/?_r=0) February 13, 2013
18. ^ Ahram Online: "Egypt's new Grand Mufti elected for first time ever"
(http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/64550/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-new-Grand-Mufti-elected-for-first-
time-ever.aspx) Frebruary 11, 2013
19. ^ "The Grand Imams of Al-Azhar" (http://www.sunnah.org/history/Scholars/mashaykh_azhar.htm). Archived
(http://web.archive.org/web/20060619010446/http://sunnah.org/history/Scholars/mashaykh_azhar.htm) from the
original on 19 June 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-24.
20. ^ al-Azhar Verdict on the Shia (http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter1b/14.html) Shi'ite Encyclopedia
v2.0, Al-islam
21. ^ "allheadlinenews" (http://www.feedsyndicate.com/articles/7008789310). Feedsyndicate. 2007-10-10. Retrieved
2010-03-21.
22. ^ aljazeera.net (http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E0D3182E-7EC0-4324-AF03-8131972B4522.htm)(Arabic
Online)
23. ^ "International Herald Tribune" (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/11/africa/ME-GEN-Egypt-Azhar-
Journalists.php). International Herald Tribune. 2009-03-29. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
24. ^ "Serving Dawoodi Bohras Worldwide" (http://www.mumineen.org). Mumineen.org. 2010-03-04. Archived
(http://web.archive.org/web/20100318053056/http://www.mumineen.org/) from the original on 18 March 2010.
Retrieved 2010-03-21.
25. ^ David D. Laitin, Politics, Language, and Thought: The Somali Experience, (University Of Chicago Press: 1977),
p. 102
26. ^ "Cordoba University" (http://www.cordobauniversity.org/gsiss/faculty/Alalwani.asp). Cordoba University.
Archived
(http://web.archive.org/web/20100213011849/http://www.cordobauniversity.org/gsiss/faculty/Alalwani.asp) from
the original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
27. ^
a

b
Supreme Court of the Government of the Maldives (http://supremecourt.gov.mv/di/)
28. ^ http://www.rissc.jo/docs/0A-FullVersion-LowRes.pdf
Further reading
Witte, Griff (March 3, 2012). "At al-Azhar Mosque, struggle over Islam roils a revered Egyptian institution"
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/at-al-azhar-mosque-struggle-over-islam-roils-a-
revered-egyptian-institution/2012/03/01/gIQAIzmNpR_story.html). The Washington Post.
External links
Al-Azhar University (Arabic) (http://www.azhar.edu.eg/)
The world Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (http://www.waag-azhar.org/)
Al-Azhar Institute for Teaching Arabic as Foreign Language (http://www.azhar-ali.com/go/)
Al-Azhar-US Embassy English Language Resource Center (ELRC) (http://elrccairo.net)
Al-Azhar University Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students (http://www.azharegypt.net)
Al-Azhar Park
Al Azhar (http://www.onazhar.com/)
Al-Azhar Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (English) (http://www.alazhr.com/)
Al-Azhar Pages (http://www.azharpages.com)
Dar Al Ifta (English) (http://www.dar-alifta.org/?LangID=2&Home=1) (Al-Azhar for Islamic Fatw)
Al Azhar-West Dialog Project (English) (http://alazhar-westdialogproject.blogspot.com)
Educational website for Al-Azhar Institutes (English) (http://www.alazhar.gov.eg/Default_en.aspx)
Documentary video film on Al-Azhar University in (Arabic) (http://www.alazhar.gov.eg/alazhar/film.aspx)
History and organization of Al-Azhar (English)
(http://web.archive.org/web/20040701101509/http://www.frcu.eun.eg/www/universities/html/azhar.html)
Islam for Today (http://www.islamfortoday.com/alazhar.htm)
Muslim Heritage (http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?articleID=161)
Al-Azhar University rules for international students admission (Arabic only) (http://www.azhar.edu.eg/)
New Grand Sheikh at Al-Azhar University: Fighting Extremism in A Suit and Tie
(http://en.qantara.de/webcom/show_article.php/_c-478/_nr-1026/i.html)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Al-Azhar_University&oldid=587718676"
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