EGYPT: Al Azhar Mosque Cairo
The al Azhar Mosque was established by
the Shi`a Fatimid dynasty shortly after the founding of Cairo in 969 AD. Its
name `al-Azhar` `blooming` is thought to be a reference to Sayeda Fatima
Al-Zahra' the Prophet Muhammad`s daughter after whom the Fatimids are named.
Built by the Caliph Muizz Li-Din Allah, the mosque opened for prayers in 972
AD. The madrassa within the complex initially spread Ismaili-Shi`ite
teachings switching to mainstream Sunni doctrine when the Ayyubids assumed
power in 12th-13th centuries. Under the Mameluke rulers of Egypt, al-Azhar
was elevated to the highest ranking institution of Islamic education in the
world, a position is still occupies. Run by a Supreme Council headed by a
Grand Imam, it combines theology with the faculties of arts and science,
philosophy, literature and Islamic jurisprudence attended by some 10,000
students. Non-Muslims are admitted to the mosque except at prayer times. Of
six entrances, the main one Bab al Qaitbay on Sharia al-Azhar opens into a
courtyard surrounded by porticos supporting 300 white marble columns. Above
the gate is a mishrabiyeh type box where the sultan used to attend Friday
prayers. Of five minarets, the one on the left of the entrance is original.
The Kufic inscription on the interior of the mihrab is also original
although the prayer-niche itself is restored. Al Azhar Mosque with other
mosques, hammams and fountains was inscribed on the World Heritage List in
1979.