Given that it is the oldest university in the world, Al-Azhar University is attempting to solidify its position as a global leader in the provision of correct Islamic thinking that is based on a central and intermediate basis, has a distinctive quality in the educational fields at the university level, and conducts educational research, as well as in the development of a balanced and constructive Islamic character that will significantly advance human civilization.
About Al-Azhar University
The Al-Azhar University (/ˈɑːzhɑːr/ AHZ-har; Arabic: جامعة الأزهر (الشريف), IPA: [ˈɡæmʕet elˈʔɑzhɑɾ eʃʃæˈɾiːf], “the University of (the honorable) Al-Azhar”) is a public university in Cairo, Egypt. It is associated with Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Islamic Cairo and is regarded as the most prestigious institution for Islamic studies. It is also Egypt’s first degree-granting institution of higher learning. In addition to higher education, Al-Azhar is in charge of a national network of schools with around two million students. In Egypt, there were over 4,000 educational institutes that were affiliated with the university as of 1996.
About 970 or 972, the Fatimid Caliphate founded this institution of Islamic learning. Its students thoroughly studied the Qur’an, Islamic law, logic, language, rhetoric, and how to calculate the phases of the moon. It is currently the top location in the world for studying Arabic and Islam.
In 1961, nonreligious subjects were added to its curriculum. In Egypt, it is believed that the library is second only to the Egyptian National Library and Archives in importance. The “Azhar Online Project” was started in May 2005 by Al-Azhar in partnership with a Dubai information technology company, IT Education Project (ITEP), to eventually publish online access to the library’s entire collection of rare manuscripts, which totals about seven million pages of content. The project is funded by H.H. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Al-Azhar is one of the surviving members of the Isma’ili Shi’a Fatimid dynasty, which claimed to be derived from Fatimah, Muhammad’s daughter-in-law, who was also his cousin and the wife of Ali, Ali’s son-in-law. Fatimah was known as Al-Zahra (the bright), and the organization carries her name.
When the Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli founded Cairo as a city, he constructed it as a mosque on the directives of the Caliph and Imam Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah. Jumada al-Awwal in the year AH 359 (March/April 970 CE), most likely on a Saturday, marked the beginning of the event. The building’s construction was completed on the ninth of Ramadan in AH 361. (24 June 972 CE). Caliphs al-Aziz Billah and al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah strengthened its foundation. Al-Mustansir Billah and al-Hafiz li-Din Allah added, renovated, and made more improvements to it.
This mosque was transformed into a madrasa, which prides itself on being the oldest one still in use. Intellectuals and jurists were regularly encouraged by the Fatimid caliphs to hold their conferences and study groups in this mosque. In the year 975, Al-Azhar welcomed its first group of pupils. Syed Farid Alatas claimed that in addition to Islamic law and jurisprudence, the Jami’ah also provided instruction in Arabic grammar, Islamic astronomy, Islamic philosophy, and Islamic logic.
The Fatimids were interested in philosophy, although other rulers derided anyone who studied philosophy as heretics and apostates. The Fatimids, who expanded the purview of such research, were amenable to Greek ideas. They had a strong interest in philosophy and offered encouragement to anyone who was known to be studying it. To further knowledge and encourage scholars, the Fatimid Caliph called for a large number of specialists from neighboring countries, closely examined college publications on many disciplines of study, and collected the best writing on a range of topics.
Faculty at Al-Azhar University
- Faculty of Arabic Language
- Islamic Dawa College
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Sciences
- College of Nursing, Cairo Girls
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Fundamentals of Religion
- College of Islamic and Arabic Studies
- College of Sharia and Law
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Islamic Sciences for expatriates
- faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Physical Education
- Faculty of Education
- College of Media
Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Azhar University
How many Students Does Al-Azhar University admit per year?
Answer: The University is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over 45,000 students) coeducational Egyptian higher education institution.
Is Al-Azhar University a Federal or State School?
Answer: It is a full-time public university.
What is the cut-off mark for Al-Azhar University?
Answer: Visit the university’s website to find out.
What is the Al-Azhar University Official Website?
Answer: azhar.edu.eg
Is Al-Azhar University a good school?
Answer: Yes! It is ranked #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2023. The University is ranked 739 in Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
Are there hostels at Al-Azhar University?
Answer: Yes! The university includes three dorms with a total capacity of 1,344 students.
When is the admission form coming out for Al-Azhar University?
Answer: Check the university’s website.
Who founded Al-Azhar University?
Answer: The university was established by the Fāṭimid dynasty in 970.
What are the requirements for Al-Azhar University?
Answer: Al-Azhar University Entry Process
- Step 1: A student must have taken an entrance NEET exam to be accepted to the University.
- Step 2: Students must receive 50% or higher in each of their three NEET subjects to qualify.
- Step 3: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are required courses to enter the University.
- Step 4: You must first register on the website with your information to submit an application and start the admissions process.
- Step 5: An acceptance letter will be sent via email within 7 days of the documents being verified and approved, and original documents must be submitted within 15 days.
- Step 6: The ministry issues a letter of approval, and the university issues a letter of invitation and accommodation.
They must next pay tuition fees to Al-Azhar University’s bank account to finish the admissions process after following these steps.
Document Required For Al-Azhar University
- Proof of fee payment
- Application fee
- Letters of recommendation (MA, Ph.D.)
- Criminal background check
- Health and Life Insurance
- Student visa
- Medical Certificate
- Declaration for financial support
- Interview
- All-Academic Documents
- Online Application form
- IELTS Certificate
- TOEFL Certificate
- Passport
- Contact No
- Email Id
- Family Details
- Photographs
- Research proposal outline (MA, Ph.D.)