Jamea Al-Azhar: History, Legacy, and Its Significance
The History and Significance of Jamea Al-Azhar
Introduction to Jamea Al-Azhar
Jame al Azhar, Al Moeazatul Qahera ma che. Aa masjid Duniya ane Islam ni one of the Oldest Masjid ane Universities ma si ek che. Aa masjid Fatemi Imam, 14th Imam Maulana Moiz Billah (AS) na zamana 970-972 Ce ma bani che. Aa Masjid nu Kaam Imam Moiz As na Farman si Maulana Al Qaid Johar ye Misr ni fateh ni khushi ma banava ma aavi hati. Imam Moiz as ye Al Moeaz tul Qahera (Cairo) shehar vasayu waha aa Masjid banava ma aavi. Aa masjid nu Kaam Jamadil Awwal 359H ma shuru thai ane 9th Ramzan 361H ma tamam thayu. Aapna farzand Imam Aziz as ane aapna Baad Imam al Hakim as ye aa masjid ne extend kidi ane Imam Mustanir na zaman ma aa masjid nu renovation ane further extension thayu.
.jpg "The courtyard of the Al-Azhar Mosque, which largely dates to the Fatimid period")
Imam na zamana ma aa Masjid Misr ma Fatemi Ilm nu markaz hatu ane yaha si hazaro ni ginti ma Ulama taiyar thaya che.
Al Azhar nu matlab “The Most Radiant,” thai che jeni maana Ilm ane Yaqeen nu noor yaha mile che.
Historical Background
Jamea Al Azhar Misr ni fateh na thodaj saalo ma bani ne taiyar thai ane yaha par Fatemi Ilm parhva ma aavtu hatu. Pehla aa Jamea faqat Masjidj hati lekin baad ma ehna andar Classrooms, halls and libraries and Madrasa banava ma aayu.
Fatemi Imams ni Misr par si huqumat na baad aa Masjid ghani dynasty na andar si guzri che. Aa masjid par ghana halat bhi aaya lekin aa Masjid Imam ni shaan bayan karti rahi. Jivare Saluddin ye Misr fateh kidu to aeye markaz ne Sunni Ilm nu markaz qaim kidu ane yaha hazaro ni ginti ma loko pura aalam si ilm parhva aavta ane aave che.
Jamea Al Azhar aaje bhi Fatemi Ilm ni ek zinda nishaani che.
Architectural Features
Jamea Al Azhar ma Fatemi and Mamluk Dynasty nu architecture dekhai che. Ehna thoda features aa misal che:
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Mosque Structure: Originally Al Azhar ek Masjid banava ma aavi hati ye vaste ehna andar Namaz nu hall, Mihrabs ane Mimbar Classical Fatemi Design na che.
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Expansion Over Time: Fatemi Imams na baad Misr par Ayyubids, Mamluk ye huqumat kidi. To ye loko ye Al Azhar masjid ma Modern Renovations nu kaam example New Classrooms, Courtyards and Decorative Elements banaya.
Intricate Decorations: Al Azhar ma Arabic Calligraphy, gemoetric Patterns and masjid ane Madrasa ma Carved Inscriptions bhi che je Islamic art and heritage ne bayaa kre che.
Libraries and Classrooms: Jamea Al Azhar ni libraries ma Ancient Manuscripts, Quranic text ane Fatemi Imams na Historical records che, je aa markaz ni research ane learning vaste mashur kre che.
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Spiritual and Educational Importance
Jamea Al Azhar ma Fatemi Imam As na zamana si loko durr daraz si imam ni hazrat ma Quran, Hadiths ane Fatemi Ilm parhva aavta hata. Yaha si Aalam na ghana mohta Ulama ane Loko taiyar thaya che.
Aaje bhi Al Jamea Al Azhar world ni Islamic Universities ma si ek che ane ghana mulk si loko yaha Ilm hasil karva aave che.
Timeline of Al Jamea Al Azhar: From Fatemi Foundation to Modern University
- 359H / 970 CE: Construction of Al Jamea Al Azhar begins under the guidance of Imam al-Moiz Billah (AS).
- 361H / 972 CE: The masjid is completed and inaugurated for namaz and majalis of ilm.
- 362–380H: Al Qaid Johar and early Fatemi Ulama establish learning circles inside the masjid.
- 386H / 996 CE: During Imam al-Aziz Billah (AS) and Imam al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS), the masjid is expanded and beautified.
- 5th Century Hijri: Jamea Al Azhar becomes the central markaz of Fatemi knowledge in Misr, with libraries and madrasas added.
- 1171 CE (Ayyubid Period): After Saladin’s conquest, Al Azhar transitions into a Sunni learning center but retains Fatemi architectural influence.
- Mamluk Era (13th–15th Century): Major restorations and additions — new minarets, courtyards, and classrooms built.
- Ottoman Period (16th–19th Century): Continued renovations and recognition as a prestigious Islamic university.
- 20th Century: Al Azhar evolves into a modern university with global reputation, preserving centuries of Fatemi heritage.Present Day: Stands as one of the world’s oldest and most influential centers of Islamic learning, visited by scholars from across the world.
Interesting Facts About Al Jamea Al-Azhar
1. Over a Thousand Year Old:
Al Jamea Al-Azhar is one of the world’s oldest Islamic universities, standing strong for over 1000 years. It remains a living testament to the legacy of Fatemi knowledge and civilization.
2. Named After Maulatona Fatema (AS):
The name “Al Azhar” comes from “Al Zahra,” the title of Maulatona Fatema al-Zahra (AS). Imam Moiz Billah (AS) named the mosque in her honor, symbolizing purity, knowledge, and devotion.
3. Center of Knowledge and Worship:
Since the time of Imam Moiz Billah (AS), Al Azhar has served not only as a place of worship but also as a center of learning, wisdom, and scholarship — producing thousands of scholars through the ages.
4. The First Friday Prayer in Cairo:
Historical records mention that the first Friday prayer (Jumu’ah) of Cairo was held in Al Azhar, marking it as the city’s first established mosque after its foundation by Imam Moiz Billah (AS).
5. A Treasure of Ancient Manuscripts:
During the Fatimid period, Al Azhar’s library contained thousands of rare manuscripts, Qur’anic commentaries, and Fatemi texts. Some of these priceless works are still preserved in Egyptian libraries today.
6. Inspiration for Islamic Architecture:
The minarets, arches, and mihrab design of Al Azhar became models for later mosques such as Jamea al-Aqmar and Jamea al-Juyushi in Cairo — all reflecting the elegance of Fatemi architecture.
7. Continuous Restoration Through Centuries:
Across different eras — Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman — Al Azhar underwent several renovations and expansions. Each dynasty left its mark, yet the original Fatemi spirit remains alive even today.
8. Connection with the Dawoodi Bohra Community:
For the Dawoodi Bohra community, Al Azhar holds special reverence. The Doat Mutlaqeen have always worked to preserve Fatemi heritage, with Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA reviving its essence through the establishment of Al Jamea tus Saifiyah.
9. A Symbol of Unity in Learning:
Today, Al Azhar continues to serve as a bridge of knowledge and faith for scholars from across the world — promoting peace, education, and spiritual enlightenment through the light of Islam.
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Disclaimer
This blog has been written based on the author’s thorough research and verified quotes available from reliable online sources. It is intended solely for educational and informative purposes. The content is respectful, harmless, and not meant to offend, harm, or mislead anyone.
