Scholar·Abbasid
Al-Azhar Mosque and University Founded
- Date
- 970 CE359 AH1,056 years ago
- Place
- Cairo
- People
- Jawhar al-Siqilli, Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah
Construction of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo began in 970 CE (359 AH) under the Fatimids. The mosque was completed in 972 and was used for prayer and teaching. Over time, it became a center where students studied law, grammar, theology and other sciences. The institution later developed into Al-Azhar University, which still operates today.
Why it matters
Al-Azhar became one of the oldest continuously operating centers of Islamic learning, and a leading center of Sunni scholarship.