The International Day of Al-Azhar is being held on 7th Ramadan 1440 AH and marks 1079 years of continued scholarship and Islamic learning since the establishment and founding of the Al-Azhar Mosque and this historic seat of learning on the 7th of Ramadan in the year 361 AH (972 CE) in Cairo, Egypt.
This makes Al-Azhar to be the oldest centre of education in the world with uninterrupted and continuous learning for over a thousand years. Thousands of scholars and erudite experts of sacred sciences have walked through the doors of this institution for the past millennium granting it its prestigious ranking as a beacon of guidance, reference and leadership. Today it stands at the forefront of challenging the negative onslaughts on Islam of extremism, terrorism and fanaticism through its balanced and historic approach of moderation in thought and practice rooted in its traditional authenticity.
On this auspicious occasion, Al-Azhar Alumni UK, which is the UK Branch of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates, extends its greetings and appreciation to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, and the Muslims around the world in honour of maintaining this continuity. Al-Azhar Alumni UK further extends its congratulations and support for the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in his efforts of leading and coordinating this enormous and influential institution and providing sound guidance to the Muslims of the world in these challenging times we are living in.
On the 7th Ramadan this year, numerous activities of knowledge and awareness will be held at the historic Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo and an Iftar (fast-opening) meal prepared for around two and half thousand locals of Cairo. Senior scholars of Al-Azhar and various dignitaries will be in attendance. To note that earlier this month, in a meeting of the Supreme Council of Al-Azhar chaired by the Grand Imam, it was decided to hold the International Day of Al-Azhar each year corresponding to the date of its establishment, 7th Ramadan.
