The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: A Millennium of Scholarly and Religious Leadership
Over the course of more than a thousand years, the Grand Imamship of Al-Azhar has evolved from an esteemed scholarly tradition rooted in mutual respect among scholars into a solid religious institution governed by legal frameworks and broad authorities—reflecting Al-Azhar’s standing as a global religious and intellectual beacon.
Since the founding of Al-Azhar Mosque in 361 AH / 971 CE, and up until the late 11th century AH, there was no official title of “Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.” Instead, senior scholars were informally entrusted with leadership roles in a collegial spirit. According to Mohamed Awad in his book Al-Azhar… What Future Awaits It?, published by the Arab Press Agency, this tradition endured until modern times, when Al-Azhar began to formalize its leadership structures and delineate responsibilities.
In 1101 AH, during the Ottoman era, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Al-Kharashi was appointed as the first official Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, marking the beginning of the formal institution of the Imamship. His responsibilities included presiding over scholars, overseeing administrative matters, and maintaining order within the mosque—signaling the gradual institutionalization of the role.
The year 1872 saw the introduction of the first law outlining the qualifications for the Imamship, requiring candidates to hold the ‘Alimiyya certificate, the highest scholarly degree at Al-Azhar at the time. This move marked the start of a wave of internal reforms. In 1911, under Sheikh Salim Al-Bishri, Law No. 10 was enacted, restructuring Al-Azhar and its educational system and establishing the Senior Scholars Council, which would serve as the highest religious authority on theological and legal matters.
A turning point came in 1961 with the enactment of Law No. 103, known as the “Al-Azhar Reform Law.” This legislation stipulated that the Grand Imam would be appointed by presidential decree and granted ministerial rank—formally acknowledging the Imam’s national leadership role. The law was later amended in the 1970s to accord the Grand Imam financial privileges equivalent to those of a prime minister, further underscoring the prestige of the position.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, regarded as the highest religious authority in Sunni Islam, must be selected from among the members of the Islamic Research Academy or from scholars who meet its rigorous criteria. He must be known for his piety, possess an advanced degree from Al-Azhar, and have a distinguished body of scholarly work in Islamic studies.
The Grand Imam wields broad powers, including full oversight of the Al-Azhar Supreme Council, setting educational and outreach policies, guiding religious discourse, and supervising Al-Azhar-affiliated institutes, universities, and centers both within Egypt and abroad.
Though now governed by statutes and regulations, the Grand Imamship retains its historical spirit and scholarly mission. Al-Azhar continues to uphold the values of moderation and tolerance, advocate for the concerns of the Muslim world, and serve as a pillar of interfaith dialogue and cultural openness in an increasingly complex global landscape.
From a scholar chosen through informal consensus to a Grand Imam appointed by presidential decree and leading a global educational institution, Al-Azhar’s leadership endures as the moral and intellectual conscience of the Muslim world—continually renewing its role while remaining firmly rooted in timeless principles.
