Al-Azhar University ash-Sharif (English Language)

(Review of Work History Greatest Dynasty Fathimiyah In Egypt)

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background

The long journey of Al-Azhar, who is now aged 1000 years ahead of the more interesting was listening to. Since the first built on 29 Jumada al-Ula 359 AH (970 AD) by the commander of al-Jauhar Shiqilli officially opened last Friday and pray together on 7 Ramadan 361 AH, which was originally a large institution like the mosque was never tired birth of the scholars' and Muslim scholars. "The mosque at the same time the oldest educational institutions," that's an award for her history. [1]

Today al-Azhar is the oldest university in the world which has many prominent clerics issuing them; Muhammad 'Abduh, Jamaluudin Al-Afghani, Yusuf Qaradawi, as well as expert commentary we Prof. DR. Quraish Shihab. The golden age of Al-Azhar occurred in the 9th century AD H/15 Many scientists and Islamic scholars at al-Azhar appeared at that time, such as Ibn Khaldun, Al-Pharisee, As-Suyuti, Al-'Aini, Al-Khawi, Abdul Latif al-Baghdadi, Ibn Khaliqan, Al-Maqrizi and others who have many leave a lot of Arabic encyclopedia. Age a thousand years more experience of course many dynamics and romance. Although aging of Al-Azhar but remains a pavorit and still can be used as Qiblah Islamic sciences today. It can be seen from the enthusiasm of the tholibul 'ilmi from around the world flock to the country Kinanah. For the Middle East region, the highest rating a student is still dominated Egyptian homeland with Al-Azharnya universities. [2]

According to data from Education and Cultural Attache Embassy-Cairo, the number of al-Azhar students currently approximately 439,152 people [3], among that number of 3000's more Indonesian students studying in Egypt, but still far less than our neighboring countries , Malaysia. There's about 7,000 more Malaysian students here. It is not surprising because the country they gave moral and material support to the children of his nation. Malaysia was awarded a scholarship student loans while studying here. [4] In contrast to our government, bureaucracy complicates studies that seem to Al-Azhar. Though ideally our country with a population of 220 million more, more need of many scholars who were involved in the homeland. However, do not be discouraged, though slightly, Indonesia academic achievement of children is so encouraging when compared with them. Perhaps because life is not too excessive, further spurring the enterprising spirit of learning.

B. Problem formulation

1. Where Fathimiyah Dynasty ruled Egypt?
2. How does the history of the founding of al-Azhar University?
3. How is the development and dynamics of al-Azhar University?

C. Objectives

The discussion paper aims to identify and explain the process of mastery Fathimiyah dynasty of Egypt and the history of the founding of al-Azhar University and its development and dynamics.


II. DISCUSSION

A. Mastering Fathimiyah dynasty of Egypt

Ubaidillah Fathimiyah dynasty founded by al-Mahdi, grandson Ismail Ja'far al-Siddeeq in the year 297 AD in the country H./909 Maghrib (about Morocco now) with Qairawan as its capital. The name of this dynasty ascribed to the Prophet's daughter Fatima al-Zahra ', wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Government center was originally located in the capital of Tunisia with Quraiwan (909-971M), then moved to Cairo, Egypt (972-1171M). This dynasty is a dynasty of Shia Ismaili [5] which was first born, accompanied by the birth of Buwaih Dynasty (932M0 in Baghdad, and later Safavid Empire (1501 AD) in Persia. [6]

Alongside the development of power Fathimiyah in the vicinity of the Maghrib, arising out of the ideals of the Caliph al-Mahdi to make his dynasty as the holder of power in the Islamic world at that time as well as spreading the Shiite sect Isma'ilism used among Fathimiyah. This desire is of course only be realized if the Abbasid Daula could conquer the eastern lands of Islam (around Baghdad) who was in control in most areas of Islam. [7]

To realize the great ideals, the al-Mahdi and immediately set plans as early terget is how to master the Hejaz region (Mecca and Medina) and Sham (about Syrians now). Conquering two regions is not easy, at least two obstacles that can thwart the plans Fathimiyah caliph al-Mahdi. The first of the political influence, the Hijaz and Sham region was under the influence of strong Ikhsyidiyah based in Egypt. Both in terms of geography, the land of Egypt which became the center of Ikhsyidiyah daulah is the country's first Abbasid directly adjacent to the power Fathimiyah and were among the Maghreb countries and the region of Hijaz and Sham, it is thus very unfavorable position of Maghrib once politically and militarily if they are directly melakukang attack on the Hijaz and Sham. Taking into account that they ensure that they do need to conquer Egypt and Ikhsyidiyah who have more favorable geographic position, politically and militarily. [8]

The desire caliph al-Mahdi to conquer Egypt can not be dammed again, three times the assault was launched, the first attack was launched in 301 H/913 AD But the attack failed. Later in the year 307 AD he again held H./919 assault, unfortunately the result is nil. Then in 321 H/933 AD he sent troops for the third time, this business continued until the son of al-Qaim Biamrillah appointed Fathimiyah menjaid second caliph, but the results have not yet satisfactory, even in the remnants of al-Qaim term, he is more busy with upheavals that occurred in the country, so that the activities of military aggression to Egypt having a vacuum. This condition continued throughout the reign of the third caliph Fathimiyah Bani al-Mansur Binasrillah (334 AH-341 AD-952 AD H./945). [9]

Domestic conditions improved as the fourth caliph, al-Muiz Lidinillah, ascended the throne at the end of the year 341 AD H./953 The whole barbarian tribes that previously defied can be "tamed" the time, and then Banu Idrisiyah who rebelled and wanted to break away can also be conquered. The success of this internal side was making Daula Fathimiyah power extends, stretches from west of Tripoli (now Libiya) adjacent to the east to the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It was then that the desire to master the Egyptian re-emerged. This desire is also strengthened by several new reasons, among them [10]:

1. The death of Kafur al-Ikhsyidi year 357 AD H./968 which is the guardian of Egypt since the two previous years.

2. Economic crisis in Egypt. Many times there was a flood in Egypt over the past nine years that led to agricultural land into narrow and automatic food prices to be expensive and is followed by rising prices of other basic needs so that there was a famine in Egypt and spread of epidemic diseases among the population of Egypt.

3. The chaos in the economy is seeping into the military field, where the schism between the country's military leaders. This situation adds to public anger against the rulers at that time doubled.
4. A group of extreme Shiite group called Qaramithah continue to try biting into the region east of Egypt, and just so happens that some members of this group has good relations with Dinsti Fathimiyah.


Initially this group who perform gencaran Qaramithah to Egypt so there is anxiety among the public, in these uncertain conditions Fathimiyah a number of people have been playing in the Egyptian society to the mission of propaganda and control of public opinion so that they are ready with the entry of a new ruler in Egypt. On the other hand sangup Abbasids in Baghdad did not send troops to overcome the crisis in Mesir.Dengan attention to internal and external conditions are thus the Caliph al-Muiz ventured to continue the ideals of its predecessors that have not reap maximum results.

Furthermore Fathimiyah caliph, al-li Muiz Dinillah, handed over responsibility for the conquest of Egypt to the ash-Jauhar wartime commander who previously managed Shiqli Fathimiyah expanded powers to the Atlantic Ocean coast (western Morocco now). To attack this time al-Muiz prepare troops with a force large enough to put one hundred thousand troops riding in them. Looks like the caliph al-Muiz do not want to repeat the defeat suffered in the three previous aggression.

Before the troop surge began, al-Muiz perform a series of preparations to support the smooth running of this attack, including construction of roads and pathways connecting to Egypt, digging of wells, establishment of places of rest and do not forget the large-scale funding. At the moment all the preparation is considered sufficient then start the caliph al-Muiz farewell troops under the command of the commander of al-Jauhar Shiqli on 14 Rabi 'End 358 H. / March 7 969 M.

Post a ceremonial release, went towards the direction of the great armies of Egypt. And when al-Muiz returned to his palace, he sends his greatness clothes who had just been used in ceremonies to Jauhar al-khalifa Shiqli except ring. After several days' journey, Jauhar and his forces entered Egypt via Alexandria (Alexandria). When this news reached the Fusthat, Ja'far al-Furat (minister of Egypt) and the people are applying for security protection. On 18 Rajab 358 H they are arranging a meeting with the Jauhar. The meeting resulted in an agreement which states that Jauhar will provide safety and his return to Egypt is in order to repair and does not impose on the Shiite sect of Sunni Egyptian society. It turns out the facts on the ground said the other, most of the Egyptian army did not agree with the memorandum of agreement, so there was a battle that ended with the defeat of Egyptian troops who disagree.

On the afternoon of 17 Sya'ba 358 H. / July 6 969 M. Ash-Shiqli Jauhar and his troops entered the city of Egypt who was then covering the area Fusthat and 'Askar. And Jauhar took a big place that overlooks the city's position as army headquarters, the place is called Munakh. With the influx of troops to Egypt Dynasty Fathimiyah mean an end to the occupation of Egypt under the rule Ikhsyidiyah and Abbasids, and start entering a new phase in Egypt under the rule of Fathimiyah dynasty. [11]

As is the tradition of the Muslims before, then after successfully occupying Egypt, Jauhar immediately founded a city as a symbol of strength and triumph of political and military sides of Daula Abbasid Daula Fathimiyah in Egypt. Even when it Jauhar abolish and prohibit the use of all the symbols of the Abbasid.

The city was named by Jauhar al-Shiqli with Mansuriyah, taking the name of which is the third caliph Fathimiyah parents caliph al-Muiz own. Jauhar might want to position in the eyes of increasingly high-al-Muiz by naming their new city by the name of the Caliph parents. This name continued to be used for four years, until the arrival caliph al-Muiz to Egypt he was replaced by the name of al-Qahirah or the more we are familiar with Cairo.

Al-Qahirah, or al-Qahir themselves in Arabic means the mighty or the powerful, purportedly because the naming of this city such as al-Muiz itself is a likely optimistic. Selection of the actual name of the rose has appeared in the minds of al-Muiz since he was in the Maghrib country, even before the ash-Shiqli Jauhar and his troops headed for the new country, precisely when he delivered a speech the release of the troops: "By Allah, even though it set off a self-Jauhar it undoubtedly will be subdued Egypt also, he will enter Egypt without a battle, then settled in the ruins of Ibn Touloun and built a city called al-Qahirah (the mighty) who will conquer the world ... ". [12]

Prof. Ahmad Hasan al-Baquri, former rector of al-Azhar University, had mentioned another reason the selection of the name of al-Qahirah: "... when President Jamal Abdul Nasser was in town Qairawan, he visited a mosque in the building similar to the building of al-Azhar and there is a room next to him. His close friends told him that once the room was a storage area for treasure and weapons, and they used to call the room with al-Qahirah. With this name was named the city of al-Qahirah (Cairo) after Fathimiyah conquered Egypt, they added. "[13]

On the other history also mentioned that the name of this city by the Caliph al-Qahirah is not yet Jauhar himself inspired by the planet Mars, which according to experts stars / celestial sphere of the past is the king of planets / stars (qahirul celestial sphere). Because according to this history when the city will begin construction, foundation experts around the star and the city with rope rope digantungkanlah bells, and then they began to wait for the emerging star, that's when the bird perched on a rope that was causing these bells rang and they found morning star (the planet Mars) has appeared on the horizon, then the workers start swinging their hands, began to build the city, and then dinamailah city with al-Qahirah. [14]

Apart from the various versions of the above, on several occasions the name of al-Qahirah is also commonly called al-Qahirah al-Muiziyah with the attribute name of the caliph al-Muiz to him, or al-Qahirah al-Mahrusah because of the high fence wall and the doors are large .
In terms of position, the city of al-Qahirah is located on the east Fusthat, the long rectangular sides 1200 meters and is surrounded by a large fence. At that time he covers the area of ​​al-Azhar, Gamaliyah, Hosseiniyeh, ash-Sya'riyah Babu, Moski, Ghouriyah and Bab al-Khalq.

Fence on the east side of town, exactly in the place that made Jauhar as the headquarters of his army, also built a palace for the caliph al-Muiz. This is centered around the area Fathimiyah government at that time, there were also built warehouses of weapons. However, in the early days of Cairo has not become a capital city but only a collection of great palaces, Jami 'al-Azhar, military barracks and residential tribes of Maghrib. Meanwhile Fusthat located on the edge of the Nile is still functioning as a trading center and was always faithful to welcome the arrival of the ships the Nile from the southern regions of transporting agricultural products, he is also still the largest city for job seekers and science & knowledge seekers.

So with the founding of al-Qahirah, or Cairo means he is the fourth Islamic city founded in the intervening 338 years since 'Amr bin Ash founded the city Fusthat year 20 AH This history has made the traces of previously deleted greatness of the three cities of Cairo while still sturdy so far as the Egyptian capital and largest city in the Islamic world-apart from Istanbul when it became the capital of the Ottomans, and became the center of the development of civilization in terms of religion, thought and knowledge in the Islamic and Arab world in particular.

B. The founding history of al-Azhar University

It has become an unwritten kaedah that Islamic civilization in a region associated with the role of the mosque obtaining jami '(mosque countries) in the region. This may be inspired from the real work when the Prophet migrated kemadinah, the first task that he did was build a mosque. This signifies the role of the mosque is not just limited to mere ritual activities. But more than that, the mosque is a central Islamic government, education facilities, the court, issued a fatwa, and sebagainya.Hal is then carried by 'Amr ibn al-`invaded Egyptian territory. On the orders of Caliph Umar, Commander of 'Amr ibn' Ash founded the first mosque in Africa, which was then called the Mosque of 'Amr bin' Fushtath Ash in the city, as well as a center of Islamic governments of Egypt at that time. Subsequent days of the Abbasid dynasty, the capital of this government moved again to a city called al-Qatha'i and is characterized by the construction of a mosque named Ahmad ibn Thoulun. [15]

Period by period elapsed, pemerintahanpun alternated until arriving at the Egyptian era Fathimiyah Daula. Egypt's capital was moved to a new area on the order of Caliph al-Mu'iz Lidinillah who commissioned commander, Jauhar al-Shiqili [16], to build a government center. After going through the stages of development, this area is named after the town of al-Qahirah. [17]
As the history of the Islamic past, every change daulah always on the mark with the construction of mosques in the center of the capital. So less a year later, in tandem with the construction of the city of al-Qahirah also founded a mosque named jami 'al-Qahirah (mimicking the name of the capital city). Total commander is still in handling Ash-shiqili Jauhar. At the time of Caliph al-Aziz Billah [18], around the Jami 'al-Qahirah built several palaces, called al-az-Zahirah Qushur. These palaces are mostly located on the east (now west Husein), while a few remaining small in the west (near the mosque of al-Azhar now), the court separated by a beautiful garden. The entire area is known as a bunch of "al-Mulukiyah Madinatul Fathimiyin". circumstance that is so beautiful and radiant it encourages people call Jami 'al-Qahirah with the new designation, jami' al-Azhar (derived from the word zahra 'means: a bright, luminous, shimmering). [19]

Of al-Azhar Mosque is then a center of Islamic studies to date. As has been the authors described above, the long journey of Al-Azhar was first built on 29 Jumada al-Ula 359 AH (970 AD) by the commander of al-Jauhar Shiqilli officially opened last Friday and pray together on 7 Ramadan 361 H has been transformed into a college's oldest and largest to date. Al-Azhar is the greatest works of Islamic civilization that built the building Fathimiyah Dynasty in Egypt.

Fathimiyah Dynasty in Egypt can be said to surpass achievement of Bani Abbas in Baghdad and the Umayyad dynasty in Spain at the same time, especially the achievements in the fields of science (science). Development of science when it stems from a successful tradition begun by the Caliph al-Aziz. He is a writer who has a great interest in the sciences, such as al-Ma'mun in Bani Abbas. No wonder the castle used as a center of scientific activity, where discussions on the scholars, jurists, qurra ', nuhat, hadith experts and officials who participate are also involved in it. Some officials and employees consisting of scientists in various disciplines. [20]

Al-Aziz gave a big salary to the teachers, so many great scholars moved from Baghdad to Cairo. Al-Azhar serve as a center of study religious sciences both naqli and aqli. In addition to al-Azhar, in the year 1005 AD al-Hakim [21] founded the Dar al-Hikmah as a center of study at a high level, so that in it to have discussions, research, writing and translation as well as education. [22]

The caliph long ago realized that a continuation of al-Azhar can not be separated in terms of funding. Therefore any waqf property caliph provide both personal as well as cash from the pockets of the country. The initiator of the first endowments for the al-Azhar was pioneered by the caliph al-judge Amrillah bin, followed by the next caliph and the local rich people and the entire Islamic world until now-waqf property is said to have reached a third of Egypt's wealth. Of the waqf property is wheel travel of al-Azhar can continue to operate, including providing scholarships, dormitories and delivery of al-Azhar envoys to various parts of the world. Mosque of 'Amr bin' Ahmad bin Ash and Thoulun, education shaft slowly moved into al-Azhar. [23]

C. Development and Dynamics of Al-Azhar University

Has become a kind of unwritten agreement, in each caliph Daula Fathimiyah always held the restoration of buildings jami 'al-Azhar. Until when the great earthquake could damage the al-Azhar in 1303 AD, Sultan An-Nasir who ruled at that time re-building immediately rehabilitate the damaged mosque. Specific features of the restoration of buildings began to appear on the Qansouh al-Ghouri (1509 AD) the restoration of a tower of Al-Azhar beautiful with two peaks (ar-Manaratul Azhar Dzatu Ra'sain). Completion of the jami 'al-Azhar resumed daulah Ottoman period, with activity that is not much different renofasi as before. Reached its peak during Katakhda Amir Abdurrahman (d. 1776 AD) by adding two towers, replacing the mihrab and minbar new, open learning for local orphans, build shelters ruaq as students and foreign students, making the hall living room, was not covered in mosques, and water tanks where wudoo '. in a word, almost all the old buildings still remaining in the mosque of al-Azhar today is the work of the Amir. [24]

1. Phase Transition

As the tidal wave of history, various forms of successive governments to play a role this oldest instituted. In addition to the mosque, the spread of Shi'ite co-coloring initial activity Fhatimiyah Dynasty. Especially dipenghujung the Caliph al-Qadi Mu'iz li dinillah when Qudhah Abul Hasan Ali ibn al-Nu'man Qairuwani Shi'ite schools of jurisprudence teach from the book Mukhtasar which is the first religious instruction at the mosque of al-Azhar in Shafar 365 Hijri (October 975 AD).

After this learning process continues with the main emphasis on the religious sciences and languages, although without reducing manthiq attention to science, philosophy, medicine, and astronomy in addition to being included. But since Salahuddin al-Ayyubi holding Egyptian government (567 years H/1171 AD), Al-Azhar was temporarily laid to rest as he established an alternative educational institution in order to erode the influence of Shi'ite. This is where the start included a massive change in orientation of mazdhab Shi'ite to Sunni mazdhab applicable to the present. [25]
Temporary closure of al-Azhar carried on long enough period of time, approximately 98 years, ie since the time of Saladin al-Ayyubid dynasty to rule Mamalik. [26]

2. Phase Reform Updates

The first administration of al-Azhar began in the reign of sultan Ad-Dhahir Barquq (784 AH / 1382 AD) where he raised the sovereign Bahadir At-Thawasyi as the first director, this happened in the reign of the Egyptian Mamalik. This effort is an initial attempt to make Al-Azhar as a follow religious foundations of government. This system continues to run until the Ottomans ruled Egypt in the late 11th century H. Characterized by pengangkataan "Shaykh Umumy" held by Sheikh Al-Azhar as a figure that regulate a variety of educational purposes, teaching, finance, legal opinions, legal, including the complaint issues. This phase was selected Sheikh Muhammad Al-khurasyi (1010-1101) H.) as the sheikh of Al-Azhar first. In total there are 40 who have led the sheikh of Al-Azhar for 43 periods, until now held by the former mufti, Sheikh Mohammed Thantawi. Al-Azhar's golden age occurred in the 9th century AH (15th AD) many scientists and Islamic scholars at Al-Azhar appeared at that time, such as Ibn Khaldun, Al-Pharisee, As-Suyuti, Al-'Aini, Al-Khawi, Abdul Latif Al-bagdadi, Khalikqan Ibn Al-Maqrizi and others who have inherited a lot of Arabic encyclopedia. [27]

Setback again present climate when the Ottoman dynasty ruled Egypt (1517-1798 AD) Al-Azhar began to function with the return less the scholars and students are gradually leaving Cairo. even so additional permanent buildings on the initiative sought-amir amir of the Muslims and the Ottoman world.

Leadership of Muhammad Ali Pasha in Egypt in the later stages of education has established a system of parallel but separate, namely traditional education and modern secular education. He also tried to shrink the role of Al-Azhar as an influential institution in the history, among others, by mastering the body waqaf Al-Azhar, which is her veins. onwards, in the reign of Khedive Ismail Pasha (1863 - 1874) began to attempted reorganization of education, and this is where traditional education began to compete with the modern secular education. The attack on traditional education often seems from businesses who want the improvement of Al-Azhar as an Islamic education center terpenting.Sejak early 19th century, the western educational system began to be implemented in the schools of Egypt. While Al-Azhar still using the traditional system. from here the sound began to emerge renewal.
Among the notable innovations is the inclusion of a test system to obtain a diploma of al-'alamiyah (scholarship) Al-Azhar in February 1872. also in 1896, for the first time Al-Azhar formed Idarah (administrative council). The first effort of this council is to issue regulations that divide the period of study at Al-Azhar into two periods: 8 years of primary education and secondary and higher education 12 years, the curriculum of Al-Azhar joined classified into two classes: Al-'Ulum al-manqulah ( field of religious studies) and the al-al-ma'qulah'Ulum (general studies). Calling renewal at Al-Azhar, we need to remember Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905). He proposed the improvement of Al-Azhar education system by including modern sciences into the curriculum. The idea originally terssebut less agreed upon by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Anbabi. Only when the An-Nawawi Sheikh Al-Azhar leads, ideas of Muhammad Abduh could have an effect, gradually began to be held during holiday arrangements and future learning. Description of a rambling lesson known Sharh al-hawasyi simplified. Meanwhile, modern curriculum such as physics, science, philosophy, sociology, and history. has invaded the Al-Azhar, this also coincided with the renovation ruaq Al-Azhar as the salaries for teachers and great students.


3. Al-Azhar Now

In the XXI century, Al-Azhar began to see the necessity of studying the system of university research conducted in the west, and send the best graduates to study in Europe and America. delivery goal is to keep abreast of Ilmiyah at the international level as well as the efforts of comparison and confirmation of correct understanding of Islam. Quite a few ambassadors who managed Al-Azhar who earned a Ph.D. from outside the university, including the sheikh DR. Abdul Halim Mahmud, Sheikh DR. Mohammad Al-Bahy, and much more. Earlier, in 1930, out of 49 laws that govern the number of Al-Azhar education starting from elementary to college and university Al-Azhar split into three faculties, namely: Sharia, Ushuluddin, and Arabic. Faculty parent Ayari'ah wal Qanun (international law) in cairo is the first building that stood in 1930. originally named faculty of Sharia, and in 1961 changed to the name as it is now. Faculty and parent Ushuluddin arabic in cairo was also established in 1930, penjurusannya set back in 1961. faculty of Da'wah Islamiyah established by presidential decree (Presidential Decree) of 1978 that 380 number issued on 16 Ramadan 1398 H. coincides with the 20 August 1978). Faculty Dirasat Islamiyah wal Arabiyah started college in 1965 as one of the majors of faklultas Shari'ah. in 1972 out of Presidential Decree number 7, which makes this faculty as a separate institution with the name (Ma'had Dirasat Arabiyah wal al-Islamiyah (The Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies). However, in 1976 out of Presidential Decree No: 299 which again makes this institute as its own faculty, the department: Ushuluddin, Sharia Islamiyah, Arabic Language and Literature Arabic. [28]

The wind blows renewal again in Al-Azhar on May 5, 1961 Syaltout future leadership of Sheikh Mahmud. Shaykh Al-Azhar role in the collapse into a symbolic bridge that has less direct influence on the educational institutions under pimpinanya. Egyptian revolution Law no: 103 1961. This legislation provides the possibility of change srtukturil education at Al-Azhar, thus allowing them elementary or junior high school graduates of Al-Azhar to continue his studies to junior high or high school education departemaen property, or vice versa. within the scope of higher education, in addition to the faculties of Islam, new faculties were added like: Tarbiyah, Medicine, Commerce, / economics, science, agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, and so on. Also built a special faculty for the student (kuliyatul Banat) with various majors.

Al-Azhar University Hospital has 3: Hossein Hospital, Zahra 'Hosppital and Bab el-Shariah Hospital. Meanwhile, Nasser Islamic Mission City for foreigners was opened in September 1959.Universitas (jami'ah) al-Azhar is only one agency official sala-owned Al-Azhar, still there are other institutions that had formed, such as [29]:

a. Primary and secondary education institutions (Al-Al-Azhariyah Ma'ahid)
b. Bureau of Islamic culture and mission (Ast-Tsaqafah Idarah Bu'uts wal al-Islamiyah)
c. High Majlis Al-Azhar (Majlis al-A'la lil azhar)
d. Islamic Research Institute (Majma 'Al-buhuts Al-Islamiyah)
e. Al-Islamiyah Hai'ah Ighatsah

Since its early establishment, the studies at Al-Azhar is always open to all students from all over the world, Until now the Al-Azhar University has more than 50 faculty are spread all over Egypt. That portrait of Al-Azhar who stand tall in the span of old age.

D. Sekilah about the condition of al-Azhar University Academic

As a modern university, Al-Azhar also open lecture style which are classified in two groups of faculty: Ilmi (science) and Adabi (religion).

For faculties Adabi (religion), levels of study that opened include:

a. Undergraduate (Kulliyah or S1)

b. Postgraduate (Dirasah 'Ulya or S2 and S3)

The period of formal education courses Under Graduate (S1) for 4 years (except the Faculty of Shariah Shariah wal Qonun majors take 5 years). While the Masters program (S2) only through the study only two years, and followed by thesis writing separately. S2 program admissions process at al-Azhar is done through test memorization of the Qur'an 8 chapters, so the opportunity is more open, regardless of the final value of S1 graduate student (Lc.) For the achievement degree of Doctor (S3), simply by submitting a dissertation. [30]

At stages of the program Under Graduate (S1), the system implemented was a bit tight. In order to proceed to the next level of study, students must complete all courses at every level, and allowed a maximum of two remaining courses at the previous level. As for the rest of the courses that have more than two, was forced to repeat another year at the same level, specifically completing the remaining courses. Except for the fourth level, students are given the opportunity to take the exam tashfiyyah for the remaining two courses. If the test phase is also not yet complete, it is required to repeat a year or a special two remaining courses are. Opportunity to repeat the study (i'adah) at level I and II only given two times (2 years) if in the third year has not passed up to the maximum, the student will be issued (mafshul). Similarly, for level III, no quota "breathe" 4 years. [31]

Among the dispensation given to al-Azhar Islamic faculty of this is free of charge education. Students only need to buy books or college textbooks (muqarrar) which ditebitkan al-Azhar and some administrative costs of making student cards.

III. CLOSING

A. Conclusion

The origin of Al-Azhar is a mosque that was built by Al-Shaqali Jauhar, a warlord in Fathimiyah Dynasty, on the 24th of Jumada al-Ula 359 AH (970 AD). Along with the times, Al-Azhar mosque is a place of mission which are increasingly larger, so it becomes an educational institution. Such condition persists into the mid 21st century. So long as it is also a form of Al Azhar mosque has a double function; as mosques and Islamic centers, and as an educational institution. Both of these factors make the Al Azhar always do the updates are kept continuous.

The updates are very subtle at all has been done by Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, when it was still in control of Al Azhar. Update is intended to confirm the function of Al-Azhar as the center of refining the understanding of Islamic teachings and are expected to print a cadre of powerful preachers. Formed in the body of Al Azhar several levels of education, from primary level to college level. Also opened a general faculties, all with separate systems between sons and daughters.

Increasingly, Al Azhar grow bigger. So it is not only centered in the capital, Cairo, but almost complete in every province in Egypt opened a branch of Al Azhar.
Greatness is more felt again, knowing that Al Azhar is a supremely social institution socially. Al Azhar, a penny does not withdraw money from student tuition. In fact he opened the scholarship application each year. Also continue to hold the construction and opening of new branches in these areas.

B. Suggestion

Many things which we can take from greatness fathimiyah dynasty and the University of al-Azhar as a great work. Greatness of al-Azhar is not free from maintaining consistency waqf system which is believed by its founders as a guarantor of a brilliant future. This is the most important for us to review and then we apply or at least we have to offer in its application of Islamic institutions in this country.

[1] Agus Lutfillah, "Brief History of al-Azhar," http://aguslutfillah.tripod.com/id2.html, (accessed on December 20, 2007), 1.
[2] "Registration Information Websites al-Azhar University of Egypt," http://themis.geocities.yahoo.com/ THEMIS / h.php, (accessed on December 20, 2007), 1.
[3] Official website of Education and Cultural Attache of the Embassy-Cairo, http://dikbudcairo.org/?pilih=arsip & topic = 6, (accessed on December 22, 2007), 1.
[4] Op. Cit., "Information Websites ...", 2.
[5] is one of the Ismaili sect of Shia who believe that Ismail was the seventh Imam, after Imam Ja'far al-Siddeeq. While other sects who believe that the seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim is, View Moh. Nurhakim. Islamic history and civilization (First Edition; Malang, UMM Press, 2004), 99.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ragab Abdurrahman, "The history of establishment of the Jami 'al-Azhar", http://ragab304.wordpress.com/sejarah-al-azhar-asy-syarif/ history-establishment-jami-al-Azhar /, (accessed on December 20, 2007), 1.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.