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Ramadan in History

Al-Azhar was founded by Jawhar As-Siqilli on 7th Ramadan, 361 A.H., upon the order of the Fatimid Caliph. `Ali Ibn An-Nu`man started to hold educational sessions in the mosque in 365 A.H. Then Al-Azhar University was founded inside the mosque in 378 A.H. by Ya`qub Ibn Kals, and its staff of teachers were chosen from among the judges and Muhtasibun (Muslim vigilantes).

All facilities were provided for Azhar students; food, housing and other services. In Al-Azhar different religious studies and Arabic linguistics along with medicine were being taught by the best Azhar scholars at that time. Al-Azhar was greatly cared for by Caliphs and Egyptian Sultans, especially in the Fatimid and Mameluk eras, although it was somehow neglected during Umayyad and `Uthmani eras.

By the passage of time, Al-Azhar witnessed great developments in its structure, as Al-Azhar, great university with different faculties was founded separately from the mosque, and a special branch for ladies was established. The role of Al-Azhar in Egypt and the Islamic world is undeniable, as it issues fatwa and undertakes preaching. Moreover, its role as the fountain of different movements which resisted social and political tyranny throughput history is well known. It was the minaret by which European countries were guided.