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Al-Azhar
Mosque is considered the first architectural work constructed by
the Fatimids in Egypt. It was also the first mosque ever built in
Cairo, which was established by Jawhar As-Siqilli as the capital of
the Fatimid State. As-Siqilli began to build the mosque in Jumada
Awwal 24, AH 1395 (April 4, 970 CE). Then, when the mosque was
fully constructed, it was opened for Prayer in Ramadan 7, AH 361
(June 22, 970 CE).
The
name Al-Jami` Al-Azhar was not the first designation of that
mosque; it was first called Jami` Al-Qahirah (the Mosque of Cairo).
It continued to bear that name for most of the years of the Fatimid
rule. Then, that name disappeared, and the mosque acquired its new
name: Al-Jami` Al-Azhar, a name that is still used until today.
Later, Al-Azhar became one of the most famous Islamic institutions
on earth.
However,
some historians mention different reasons behind giving this mosque
the name Al-Azhar. The most forceful reason that is perhaps nearest
to the truth is that the utterance Al-Azhar is derived from
Az-Zahraa', the epithet of Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The name of the state
itself, Fatimid, is derived from her name. Hence, Jami` Al-Qahirah
have come to be known as Al-Azhar.
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