Al-Azhar Mosque
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History of Al-Azhar Mosque
There is simply no other mosque in the world like the Al-Azhar Mosque, making it unique. The mosque was built in 970 A.D. by the Fatimid Islamic Shi’ite Dynasty, who controlled Egypt from the 10th through the 12th century, as a site of worship for Islamic studies research. Even though the mosque’s primary goal was to spread Shi’ite beliefs throughout Arabia and possibly the entire world, Sunni and Shi’i students put their differences aside and collaborated to build something truly remarkable. Today, the mosque serves as a true symbol of pluralism and the only body that controls Islamic theology for the entire world.
Interesting Facts about Al-Azhar Mosque
There is simply no other mosque in the world like the Al-Azhar Mosque, making it unique. The mosque was built in 970 A.D. by the Fatimid Islamic Shi’ite Dynasty, who controlled Egypt from the 10th through the 12th century, as a site of worship for Islamic studies research. Even though the mosque’s primary goal was to spread Shi’ite beliefs throughout Arabia and possibly the entire world, Sunni and Shi’i students put their differences aside and collaborated to build something truly remarkable. Today, the mosque serves as a true symbol of pluralism and the only body that controls Islamic theology for the entire world. When the Egyptians began practicing and teaching Sunni doctrines in 1171 A.D., the Ayyubid monarch ordered the university to be closed for over 100 years. However, in 1266 A.D., Mamluk Sultan Al- Zaher Baybars restored the university, and the teachings were changed to Sunni theology.
The Architecture of Al-Azhar Mosque
The mosque at Al-Azhar is renowned for being a harmonious fusion of architectural styles because it has undergone numerous reconstructions, expansions, and redesigns over the course of more than a thousand years. Al-Azhar mosque was at the center of the French resistance against the French forces in the late half of the 18th century because it is more than a place of worship or education; it is a symbol of enlightenment and righteousness. It contains five majestic minarets, three of which were built in 1340, 1469, and 1510, a large prayer area, religious and non-religious schools, and is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful marble central court.
