The Grand Imam: 

Today, we remember a long history of knowledge, thought, culture, and enlightenment.

 

The Grand Imam, calling upon Allah:

 O Allah, protect Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and increase its protection and honor, and bless its scholars and students.

 

His Eminence Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Imam, said that today marks the seventh day of Ramadan. We remember with it a long history of knowledge, thought, culture, and enlightenment, provided to us by this great and immortal institution– the ancient thriving sanctuary, which is nearing its thousand and one hundredth year.

His Eminence clarified, in a post on his official page on the social media platforms Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), that the first Friday prayer was held at Al-Azhar Mosque in the year 361 AH. Since that date, Al-Azhar has undoubtedly assumed its rightful place as a beacon of culture, a source for scholars, students, and researchers, and a destination for learners from all over the world. Calling upon Almighty Allah, the Grand Imam said, “O Allah, protect Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and increase its protection and honor, and bless its scholars and students.”