Al Azhar Mosque

Al Azhar Mosque stands as more than just Cairo's oldest university—it is a living testament to over a thousand years of Islamic scholarship. Founded in 970 CE, this magnificent structure has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties while continuously shaping Islamic thought across the globe. Initially established as a Shiite institution by the Fatimids, it later transformed into a leading center of Sunni learning, showing remarkable adaptability through centuries of political and religious change.

The Origins of Al-Azhar: A Fatimid Vision

The story of Al-Azhar begins in 969 CE when the Fatimid dynasty conquered Egypt under General Jawhar al-Siqilli. The Fatimids established a new capital city, Cairo (Al-Qahira, meaning “the Victorious”), designed as the heart of their empire. On April 4, 970 CE, construction began on what would become Cairo’s first mosque. Two years later, the first Friday prayers were held in June 972 CE.

This newly built mosque symbolized the arrival of a new political and religious order in Egypt. As the first Fatimid monument in Cairo, it occupied a strategic position within the royal enclosure, serving as both a spiritual center and a statement of Fatimid authority.

Why It Was Named “Al-Azhar”

The name “Al-Azhar” appeared during the reigns of the Fatimid caliphs al-Mu’izz and al-Aziz Billah. It derives from the word azhar meaning “most radiant,” and is linked to zahra, an epithet associated with Fatima al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. The Fatimids, claiming descent from Fatima and Ali, named their grand mosque in her honor to reinforce their religious and dynastic legitimacy.

Fatimid Goals for Religious Education

While initially serving as a congregational mosque for prayers, Al-Azhar soon became a center for spreading the Fatimid Isma‘ili Shi‘a doctrine. In 975 CE, the first class was held at the mosque, and by 988 CE, it had been formally established as a university with 37 scholars teaching Islamic jurisprudence.

Classes were inclusive, with sessions held both at the caliph’s palace and the mosque, and even some for women. The curriculum emphasized Isma‘ili teachings and was used to train preachers (da‘i) who would spread Fatimid beliefs across the Islamic world. Al-Azhar thus became both a spiritual and political tool of the Fatimid state.

Al-Azhar Through the Ages: Dynasties and Shifts

Throughout its millennium-long history, Al-Azhar Mosque has undergone remarkable changes as Egypt’s rulers rose and fell. Each dynasty left a distinct mark on its structure, purpose, and influence.

Ayyubid Neglect and Sunni Transition

The fall of the Fatimid Caliphate in 1171 marked a turning point. Saladin, founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, viewed Al-Azhar with suspicion due to its Shi‘ite roots. He banned Friday congregational prayers and removed symbols of Fatimid rule. Many of the mosque’s books were destroyed, and its library—once among the most extensive in the Islamic world—was dismantled.

Although Saladin redirected focus toward newly built Sunni madrasas, private lessons at Al-Azhar continued, preserving its intellectual spirit.

Mamluk Revival and Architectural Expansion

Under the Mamluks (1250–1517), Al-Azhar experienced a grand revival. Sultan Baibars restored congregational prayers in 1266 and reinstituted stipends for students and scholars. The Mamluks expanded the mosque and enriched its architecture, turning it once again into Cairo’s leading center of Islamic learning.

Key additions included the Madrasa al-Taybarsiyya (1309), the Madrasa al-Aqbughawiyya (1340), Sultan Qaytbay’s main gate and minaret (1469–1477), and Sultan al-Ghuri’s distinctive double-finial minaret (early 1500s).

Ottoman Influence and Educational Reforms

Following the Ottoman conquest in 1517, Al-Azhar retained its prominence. Sultan Selim I himself attended Friday prayers there. Although Ottoman rulers invested less in physical renovations, Al-Azhar grew intellectually, becoming the most prestigious center for Sunni Islamic studies. Its curriculum began to include philosophy, logic, and science—fields that had previously been secondary to theology.

Modern Transformations After 1952

The Egyptian Revolution of 1952 marked another turning point. By 1955, Al-Azhar began to expand into a modern campus. In 1961, it was formally recognized as a university under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, introducing secular faculties such as medicine, engineering, and economics alongside traditional religious studies.

This modernization dramatically increased student enrollment—from fewer than 90,000 in the 1970s to over a million by the early 2000s. Al-Azhar had successfully adapted to the modern age while maintaining its religious heritage.

Architectural Evolution of the Mosque

The original Fatimid mosque was a simple rectangular structure measuring about 70 by 85 meters. It featured an open courtyard surrounded by arcades, with a larger eastern portico facing the qibla. Al-Azhar was the first Egyptian mosque to incorporate a transept aisle—a high-ceilinged section running perpendicular to the qibla wall—adorned with Kufic inscriptions and floral motifs.

Mamluk Minarets and Madrasas

During the Mamluk era, Al-Azhar’s architecture flourished. The mosque became home to two prominent madrasas: al-Taybarsiyya and al-Aqbughawiyya. Their intricate mihrabs, use of colored marble, and ornate domes set new standards for Islamic architecture.
The most recognizable features today—its slender minarets—were added under Sultan Qaytbay and Sultan al-Ghuri. Their designs, with elegant carvings and double finials, remain among Cairo’s most admired architectural achievements.

Ottoman Gates and Domes

The Ottoman period saw major expansion under Abd al-Rahman Katkhuda in the 18th century. He added three monumental gates—Bab al-Muzayinin (the Barbers’ Gate), Bab al-Sa‘ayida, and Bab al-Shurba—and extended the prayer hall southward, doubling its capacity. His renovations unified the various Mamluk additions into a cohesive whole.

Modern Restorations and Preservation

In 2014, a large-scale restoration project funded by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia brought Al-Azhar into the modern era. The work included advanced surveying, structural reinforcement, and meticulous restoration of stonework, wood carvings, and inscriptions.

Modern systems such as lighting, fire safety, and drainage were added without altering the mosque’s historic integrity.Today, Al-Azhar Mosque stands both as a functioning house of worship and as an architectural chronicle of a thousand years of Islamic art and innovation.

The Rise of Al-Azhar University

From Mosque School to Global Institution

What began as small circles of scholars teaching under mosque arches evolved into one of the world’s oldest and most influential universities. By 989 CE, Al-Azhar was already offering diverse subjects such as jurisprudence, grammar, astronomy, and philosophy.

Its official designation as a university came in 1961, transforming it into a modern institution while preserving its religious character. Today, Al-Azhar attracts tens of thousands of students from over 100 countries, continuing its legacy as a beacon of Islamic education.

Curriculum Evolution: From Theology to Science

Initially limited to theology and Arabic studies, Al-Azhar gradually expanded its curriculum. During medieval times, philosophy and medicine were introduced, removed, and later reintroduced in the 19th century. The 1961 reforms added faculties in science, medicine, agriculture, engineering, and commerce, creating a holistic educational model.

The establishment of a Women’s College in 1962 further demonstrated Al-Azhar’s commitment to accessible education.

Role in Islamic Jurisprudence and Global Influence

Al-Azhar remains one of the most authoritative voices in Sunni jurisprudence. Its scholars issue fatwas and guide religious practice worldwide. The university’s model has been replicated across the Muslim world—in Syria, Sudan, Malaysia, and beyond—spreading its balanced and scholarly approach to Islamic education.

Al-Azhar’s Role in Politics and Society

Resistance During French Occupation

When Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798, Al-Azhar became a center of national resistance. Its scholars led revolts, issued religious decrees condemning the occupation, and turned the mosque into a rallying point for Egyptian identity.

Relationship with Rulers

Throughout history, Al-Azhar maintained a delicate relationship with Egyptian rulers. Under Muhammad Ali, it lost some independence but gained modern subjects in its curriculum. Later monarchs, including King Farouk, sought the institution’s religious legitimacy to support their reigns.

Post-Revolution Integration

After 1952, the Egyptian state brought Al-Azhar under official control, with the government gaining authority to appoint the Grand Imam. Despite this, the mosque retained its moral and religious influence as a moderate voice in the Islamic world.

Modern Influence

Today, Al-Azhar continues to play a vital role in guiding Islamic thought. Its scholars address contemporary issues—from extremism to ethics and finance—providing balanced interpretations rooted in centuries of tradition.