Masjid Al-Azhar

 Al-Azhar Mosque is considered the first architectural work constructed by the Fatimids in Egypt. It was also the first mosque ever built in Cairo, which was established by Jawhar As-Siqilli as the capital of the Fatimid State. As-Siqilli began to build the mosque in Jumada Awwal 24, AH 1395 (April 4, 970 CE). Then, when the mosque was fully constructed, it was opened for Prayer in Ramadan 7, AH 361 (June 22, 970 CE).

The name Al-Jami` Al-Azhar was not the first designation of that mosque; it was first called Jami` Al-Qahirah (the Mosque of Cairo). It continued to bear that name for most of the years of the Fatimid rule. Then, that name disappeared, and the mosque acquired its new name: Al-Jami` Al-Azhar, a name that is still used until today. Later, Al-Azhar became one of the most famous Islamic institutions on earth.

However, some historians mention different reasons behind giving this mosque the name Al-Azhar. The most forceful reason that is perhaps nearest to the truth is that the utterance Al-Azhar is derived from Az-Zahraa', the epithet of Fatimah, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The name of the state itself, Fatimid, is derived from her name. Hence, Jami` Al-Qahirah have come to be known as Al-Azhar.