Introduction: A Millennium of Knowledge
Al-Azhar is one of the most influential institutions of learning in human history. Founded in Cairo in the 10th century (970 AD), it is widely recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating degree-granting university. Originally conceived as a center for Fatimid Isma'ili teaching, it evolved through the centuries to become the primary authority for Sunni Muslims globally. More than a mosque or a university, Al-Azhar represents a civilization-wide educational system, producing the scholars, judges, and reformers who shaped religious thought across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Read More →Foundation and Early History
Fatimid Origins (10th Century)
Al-Azhar was founded in 970 AD during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu‘izz li-Din Allah, shortly after the establishment of Cairo. Named in honor of Fatima al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, it quickly transitioned from a place of worship to a center for teaching religion, language, and philosophy through public sessions known as halaqat.
Transformation into a Sunni Institution
Following the end of Fatimid rule in 1171, Salah al-Din (Saladin) oversaw a major transformation. Shi‘a teaching was abolished and Sunni orthodoxy was established. Al-Azhar became the premier center for the study of the four major Sunni legal schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali). Under the subsequent Mamluk rule, endowments (awqaf) flourished, supporting scholars from every corner of the Islamic world.
Explore Historical Transitions →Al-Azhar as the Oldest University
While other institutions existed before it, Al-Azhar holds the unique distinction of being the world's oldest degree-granting university in continuous operation. Its sophisticated system of certification predates the establishment of the first European universities, such as Bologna (founded 1088) and Oxford (founded 1096).
The Ijazah System
Mastery was acknowledged through ijazat (licenses to teach). This was a formal permission from a master scholar authorizing a student to teach a specific text or subject. This one-on-one, master-to-student verification is the direct historical precursor to the modern academic degree.
A Bastion of Knowledge: Curriculum & Sciences
Al-Azhar's curriculum was founded on a deep and rigorous exploration of the Islamic and rational sciences. Education emphasized memorization, exhaustive debate, and mastery of authoritative texts.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Islamic Theology (Aqidah) | The global center for Ash'ari and Maturidi schools. Scholars used logic and textual evidence to defend mainstream beliefs. |
| Islamic Law (Shari'a) | Premere institution for the four major Sunni schools. Studies included Fiqh (jurisprudence), Usul al-Fiqh, and Tafsir (exegesis). |
| Philosophy (Falsafa) | Despite periodic tensions, logic (mantiq) remained a key tool. Great thinkers like Ibn Khaldun taught here, integrating rational sciences with religion. |
| Arabic Language | Central focus on grammar (Nahw), rhetoric (Balagha), and literature, considered indispensable for interpreting holy texts. |
The Mosque of Al-Azhar: Architectural Evolution
The mosque reflects over a thousand years of architectural layering, mirroring Cairo’s political shifts:
Layered History
Fatimid foundations mixed with Ayyubid restorations and Mamluk minarets/madrasas.
Key Features
Multiple minarets from different periods, an open central courtyard, and ancient supporting columns.
The residential quarters, or riwaqs, were organized by region to house an international student body from the Maghreb to the Balkans and Southeast Asia.
Read More about the Mosque →Modernization and the 1961 Reforms
The most significant transformation occurred in 1961 under Gamal Abdel Nasser. A landmark law officially designated Al-Azhar as a state university, leading to a dramatic modernization of its role.
Integration of Secular Subjects
To modernize the graduates, secular faculties were established, including Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Agriculture. This created a dual-track system where students pursue both traditional studies and modern professional fields under one umbrella.
Education for Women
The 1961 law also mandated the creation of separate colleges for women. This monumental step provided access to the same high-level religious and secular education for female scholars, producing thousands of female doctors and professionals.
Read More about 1961 Reform →Authority, Fatwas, and Global Outreach
Today, Al-Azhar stands as the world's leading authority on mainstream Sunni Islam. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar is one of the most respected figures in the Muslim world. The institution issues authoritative fatwas (religious opinions) and takes a leading role in interfaith dialogue, ethics, and the fight against extremism, positioning itself as a voice of moderation.
Read More about the Grand Imam →Conclusion: A Beacon for the Future
For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of learning, faith, and intellectual continuity. As the world’s oldest degree-granting university, it shaped Islamic theology, law, and education long before the rise of modern Western universities. Rooted in Cairo yet global in reach, Al-Azhar remains one of humanity’s most enduring centers of knowledge—where tradition and modern learning continue to meet across the centuries.
Quick Reference Guide
| Founded | 970 AD (Fatimid Era) |
|---|---|
| Unique Title | World's oldest degree-granting university |
| Original Degree | Ijazah (License to teach) |
| Major Reform | 1961 (Inclusion of secular subjects & women) |