Religion:Grand Imam of al-Azhar

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Short description: Religious leader in Egypt

The Grand Imam of al-Azhar (Arabic: الإمام الأكبر), also known as Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar (Arabic: شيخ الأزهر الشريف), currently Ahmed el-Tayeb, is a prestigious and a prominent official title in Egypt and Islamic world.[1] He is considered by most Muslims to be the highest authority in Sunni Islamic thought and Islamic jurisprudence[2] and holds great influence on followers of the theological Ash'ari and Maturidi traditions worldwide. The Grand Imam heads the Al-Azhar Al Sharif, al-Azhar Mosque, and by extension al-Azhar University, and is responsible for official religious matters along with the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

History of the title

The title of the Grand Imam of al-Azhar was officially established in 1961. In the 14th century the head of al-Azhar was granted the title of Mushrif of al-Azhar, then later Nazir of Al-Azhar[3] and, during the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar. Today the bearer of the title also carries the title of the Grand Sheikh.

See also

  • List of grand imams of al-Azhar

References

  1. Beattie 2000, p. 225
  2. Bennett 2005, p. 220
  3. Dodge 1961, p. 83

Further reading

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