Al-Azhar University
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الجامعة الأزهرية (Al-Jāmiʿah Al-Azharīyah)
- Turkish: El-Ezher Üniversitesi
- Etymology: Named after Fatimah “al-Zahra” (the brilliant), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and the eponymous ancestor of the Fatimid dynasty.
Historical Background
Al-Azhar University was founded in 969/970 in Cairo and is one of the world’s oldest universities. Its name is believed to honor Fatimah al-Zahra, further connecting the institution to its Shi’a Fatimid roots, even though it would later become a preeminent center for Sunni Islamic learning.
Premodern Structure
In its early days, al-Azhar lacked many of the formal educational structures found in modern institutions. It did not employ standardized admissions procedures, academic departments, written examinations, grades, or degrees. The curriculum was focused on key Islamic sciences, including:
- Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir)
- Hadith (prophetic traditions)
- Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh)
- Grammar (nahw)
- Rhetoric (balagha)
- Natural sciences
Early Modern Reforms
During the early modern period, al-Azhar witnessed attempts to introduce reforms aimed at modernization:
- Inclusion of new subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences
- Implementation of yearly examinations
However, these reforms faced strong resistance from both students and faculty, leading to their eventual cancellation.
Modernization in the Contemporary Era
Significant reforms were undertaken beginning in 1961:
- Adoption of modern higher education standards
- Broadening of the curricular base to include fields such as agriculture, engineering, medicine, commerce, science, and education
- Admission of women students, though educated in separate colleges
Significance
Al-Azhar University remains a vital institution both within and outside Egypt. It is highly esteemed as a defender of Sunni Islam and for its role in promoting the Arabic language and Islamic scholarship worldwide.
Further Reading
For more in-depth insights into al-Azhar and its evolution, consider exploring the following works:
- Jonathan P. Berkey - The Transmission of Knowledge in Medieval Cairo: A Social History of Islamic Education
- Michael A. Paley - Al-Azhar University and Its Impact on the Middle East
- Jamil M. Abun-Nasr - A History of the Maghrib in the Islamic Period
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Azhar University, established in the late 10th century, stands as a significant cultural and educational institution in the Islamic world. Its evolution from a traditional Islamic madrasa to a modern university capable of accommodating contemporary academic standards mirrors broader trends in Islamic countries’ approach to modernization and educational reform.
The institution continues to play an influential role in shaping Islamic thought and cultural discourse, making it a subject of ongoing scholarly interest.
By blending rigorous religious scholarship with modern educational techniques, al-Azhar serves as a bridge between the historical Islamic tradition and contemporary fields of inquiry, educating generations of scholars, clerics, and professionals.
