Al Azhar Mosque: Your Next Travel to Cairo
Al Azhar Mosque is one of the most prominent Islamic landmarks, not only in Egypt but in the entire Islamic world. With a history spanning over a thousand years, it has become one of the most important centers for Islamic education and a beacon for spreading religious and cultural knowledge.
Al Azhar holds great religious and academic significance, as it is known for its principles of moderation and tolerance, along with its ongoing role in preserving and disseminating Islamic heritage.
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Establishment of Al Azhar Mosque
Al Azhar Mosque was founded by Jawhar al-Siqilli, the Fatimid commander, in 970 AD (359 AH) under the orders of the Fatimid caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah, who decided to establish a new capital for the Fatimid state in Egypt, which became Cairo.
The mosque was built as a religious symbol for the new state, where prayers and religious celebrations were to take place. It was named “Al Azhar” in reference to Fatimah al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is falsely venerated by the Fatimid Shiites.
Initially, the mosque was not a religious institute or university as it is today. It was simply a place for prayers and gatherings of Muslims. However, over time, its role evolved, and it became a scholarly center where religious and other sciences were taught.
Development of the Mosque Through the Ages
Al Azhar Mosque has undergone numerous developments over the centuries, being expanded and renovated several times to maintain its position as one of the most important religious and scholarly centers in the Islamic world.
Fatimid Period
During the Fatimid rule, Al Azhar Mosque was the primary religious center for the Shia Fatimid state. It was used for both religious and cultural purposes. Shiite religious sermons were delivered there, and it became the main place for religious celebrations.
It was also during this time that Al Azhar began offering religious education to Muslims, with scholars teaching Shia jurisprudence and other religious sciences.
Ayyubid Period
When Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi took power in Egypt in the late 12th century, he worked to transition the country from the Fatimid Shia sect to the Sunni sect.
As part of this shift, Al Azhar was transformed into a center for Sunni jurisprudence and somewhat marginalized during this period, with Salah ad-Din focusing on establishing other Sunni schools in Cairo. However, Al Azhar did not lose its significance entirely and continued to serve as a mosque for prayer and education.
Mamluk Period
During the Mamluk era, Al Azhar experienced significant growth and became a prominent scholarly center. The mosque was expanded and developed, with religious, Arabic language, and intellectual sciences such as philosophy and astronomy being taught.Many Mamluk rulers built schools around the mosque to provide education, further strengthening its status as a beacon of knowledge.
Ottoman Period
Al Azhar continued to thrive during the Ottoman period, becoming the primary center for Sunni jurisprudence in the Islamic world. The mosque received strong support from the Ottoman state, and a wide range of religious, linguistic, and intellectual sciences were taught there.
During this period, the teaching system at Al Azhar evolved, and schools focused on Quranic studies and Islamic sciences were established.
Modern Era
In the modern era, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, Al Azhar underwent significant transformations in its structure and curricula. Reforms aimed at modernizing the mosque and enhancing its role as a beacon of Islamic knowledge were introduced.
In 1961, President Gamal Abdel Nasser established Al Azhar University, which became a global academic center offering a wide range of disciplines alongside religious sciences, including medicine, engineering, and agriculture.
Al Azhar as a University and Center of Knowledge
Since its establishment, Al Azhar Mosque has developed into one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Over time, it evolved into an educational institution that offers not only religious and linguistic sciences but also other fields that flourished during various Islamic periods.
Education System at Al Azhar
The education system at Al Azhar was known for its flexibility. Students would sit in study circles with scholars to receive lessons, without the standardized curricula or examinations that exist today. Students could choose the sheikh they wished to study under and specialize in specific areas such as jurisprudence (fiqh), hadith, or tafsir (Quranic interpretation).
Over time, the education system at Al Azhar developed to include different educational stages. Comprehensive curricula were introduced, covering religious, linguistic, and intellectual sciences, and a system of exams and certificates was established for students upon graduation.
Al Azhar as a Beacon of Islamic Thought
Since its founding, Al Azhar has played a significant role in spreading Islamic religion and thought. It has always represented a religious authority for Muslims worldwide, offering religious fatwas and organizing conferences and seminars aimed at promoting Islamic culture.
Al Azhar has also become a global center for interfaith and intercultural dialogue. It continuously works to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims and fosters values of tolerance and moderation.
Al Azhar University in the Modern Era
In the modern era, Al Azhar University has grown to become one of the largest universities in Egypt and the Islamic world. The university offers a wide range of disciplines, including religious sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
Thousands of students graduate from Al Azhar University every year, and many go on to spread knowledge and promote Islam in various countries.
Today, Al Azhar University stands as a symbol of both traditional and modern Islamic education. In addition to religious studies, the university offers modern programs in fields such as technology, medicine, and engineering, reflecting Al Azhar’s ability to adapt and meet the demands of the contemporary world.
Landmarks of Al Azhar Mosque
In addition to being a scientific center, Al Azhar Mosque is distinguished by a number of architectural and artistic features that reflect the evolution of Islamic architecture over the ages.
The Mosque
The mosque is characterized by a unique architectural design that blends Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman styles. The mosque is approximately 100 meters long and can accommodate thousands of worshippers.
The walls of the mosque are adorned with Fatimid and Mamluk decorations, and it is surrounded by towering minarets that reflect the magnificence of Islamic architecture.
The Minarets
The minarets of Al Azhar are among its most prominent architectural features. There are five minarets, built during different periods in the history of the mosque.
These minarets symbolize prestige and progress, with heights reaching several meters. The construction of the minarets at Al Azhar is considered an example of the development of Islamic architectural art in Egypt.
The Courtyard
The mosque’s vast open courtyard is located at its center and is used for prayer and religious gatherings. This courtyard is distinguished by its white marble columns that support domes and arches, making it a space that reflects the grandeur and architectural magnificence of Islamic design.
The Arcades
Al Azhar Mosque contains several arcades that were historically used for study and worship. These arcades surround the mosque and include classrooms where students would gather around their teachers to receive knowledge.
The Role of Al Azhar in Egyptian and Islamic Society
Al Azhar is considered a beacon of knowledge and Islam in Egypt and the Islamic world. Its role transcends that of a mosque or educational institution, extending into various aspects of religious, social, and political life.
The Role of Al Azhar in Promoting Moderation
Since its establishment, Al Azhar has played a significant role in promoting moderation and balance in Islam. Its scholars have worked to counter extremism and excess, advocating for a peaceful approach to Islam based on dialogue and tolerance. Over its history, Al Azhar has issued hundreds of fatwas calling for peaceful coexistence between different cultures.
The Role of Al Azhar in Preaching and Guidance
Al Azhar is well-known for sending preachers and scholars around the world to spread Islamic teachings. Al Azhar scholars are religious authorities in many Islamic and non-Islamic countries, and they give lectures and lessons in universities, mosques, and cultural centers, further spreading the message of Islam.
The Role of Al Azhar in Supporting National Causes
Al Azhar has long been an institution that defends national causes and supports the rights of people. It played a prominent role in the liberation movements in Egypt and the Islamic world.
Conclusion
Al Azhar Mosque remains an enduring symbol of Islam and knowledge in Egypt and the Islamic world. For over a thousand years, Al Azhar has maintained its status as one of the greatest religious and scientific centers, contributing to the shaping and dissemination of Islamic thought worldwide.
Whether you are a scholar seeking knowledge or a visitor eager to explore the history of Islam, Al Azhar Mosque offers a unique experience that reflects the intellectual greatness of this venerable institution.
Now that you’ve learned the key information about Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo, you can explore more tourist places in Cairo.
You can also check out the most famous tourist places in Egypt.
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