When you think of Al-Azhar University, a centuries-old Islamic institution in Cairo that trains scholars, imams, and jurists across the Sunni Muslim world. Also known as Al-Azhar Mosque and University, it has been a center of religious authority since 970 CE, long before most Western universities existed. This isn’t just a school—it’s a living institution that shapes how millions understand Islam today.
Al-Azhar doesn’t just teach theology. It’s deeply tied to Egypt’s legal system, media, and even government policy. Grand Imams from Al-Azhar have issued fatwas that affected everything from birth control to modern banking. Its scholars are often called on by Muslim communities from Indonesia to Nigeria to clarify religious questions. In recent years, it’s also pushed for moderate interpretations of Islam, pushing back against extremist views—making it a key player in global religious discourse.
What makes Al-Azhar unique is how it blends ancient tradition with modern needs. Students study classical Arabic, Quranic exegesis, and Hadith alongside medicine, engineering, and law. The university has over 100,000 students, many from outside Egypt, and runs satellite campuses in Africa and Asia. It’s also one of the few institutions where women make up nearly half the student body, studying in separate but equal programs. This mix of deep tradition and practical adaptation is why Al-Azhar still matters so much today.
Across Africa, Al-Azhar-trained scholars lead mosques, run charities, and advise governments. In Nigeria, Sudan, and Kenya, you’ll find alumni shaping education and public opinion. It’s not always popular—some see it as too close to the Egyptian state, others say it’s too slow to change. But no one denies its reach. The posts below show how Al-Azhar’s influence shows up in news about religion, education, and politics across the continent—from debates over Islamic law in Nigeria to how its graduates impact youth programs in Kenya.
Uzbekistan recalled over 1,500 Islamic students from Egypt and Turkey in 2021, reversing earlier reforms. The crackdown, led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s government, targets religious education abroad and intensifies domestic controls under the guise of countering extremism.