Memory of the day: Establishing Al-Azhar Mosque in 970 AD

CAIRO – 4 April 2021: Al-Azhar is the oldest integrated global university, and one of the most important university mosques in Egypt and the Islamic world.

Its corridors embraced millions of students and teachers, until it became the main source of knowledge for all Muslims.

Al-Azhar Mosque and University has been established for over a thousand years, and has been bearing its scientific, religious, patriotic and civilizational responsibility towards the people and the entire Islamic nation.

April 4 marks the anniversary of establishing Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the most important contributions of the Fatimid state in Egypt in the year 970 AD.

According to the official website of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Al-Azhar Mosque was established by Jawhar Al-Saqli, commander of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz Li Din Allah, on Jumada Al-Awwal 24, 359 AH / April 4, 970 AD, a year after the founding of the city of Cairo. It took nearly 27 months to build. 

It was opened for prayer on Friday, Ramadan 7, 361 AH, corresponding to June 21, 972 CE.

It soon turned into a scientific university, and was called Al-Azhar Mosque. This is attributed to Fatimah al-Zahra, the daughter of Prophet Mohammed [SAW] and the wife of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib to whom the Fatimids are most likely affiliated.

Al-Azhar received great care from the Mamluk Sultans since the era of Al-Zahir Baybars. Also, Al-Azhar Mosque in the Ottoman era (923-1213 AH = 1517-1789 AD) remained the subject of the attention of the caliphs and their rulers in Egypt.