How Does One Enter Al-Azhar?
Bismellah wa salatu wa salamu ala sayedenaa rasulellaah salahualayhe wa salam:
What you need to know to get into Al-Azhar in Brief:
1. Try to have no less than 2 juz of Qur’an memorized.
2. If you are not fluent in Arabic consider studying in an Arabic center in Cairo for a year before taking the exams. al-Azhar has no department for teaching Arabic to non-Arabs. In addition, teachers utilize both Egyptian colloquial and Fusha. However, most of instruction in al-Azhar is conducted in Fusha and if requested, Fusha it will be employed to accommodate you.
3. Being a student of knowledge is a serious endeavor. Thus, I advise brothers and sisters to exhaust all their local resources before setting off to study in Egypt. It is wise to utilize the scholars and Imams in your locality before setting abroad. This is also the is the Sunnah of the Ulema –to learn firstly in one’s locality before traveling abroad to seek knowledge. Once you have exhausted your resources then you should prepare yourself to study abroad.
It makes little to no sense for a person to travel to Egypt to learn a basic book of Fiqh, Tajwid or some other science that can be learned in our lands, in the West. The Islamic sciences can be learned at a basic introductory level in our home countries as we have many teachers who are well qualified and experienced in teaching at this level. Also, failing to study in our countries for introductory level instruction undercuts the efforts of the Institutions in the West that are aiming at disseminating Islamic education.
4. It is beneficial to remember that al-Azhar, in its hey day, existed in a first world setting. Currently, Egypt no longer occupies a first world position as it once did. This is why the student of knowledge encounters many challenges and tends to be saddened by his or her experience.
Despite the challenges one may face given third world conditions is one is patient there is much benefit to be found in the Azhar of today that exists in a third world setting. Currentyl, al-Azhar is witnessing a revival so classes are to be found in the masjid at various levels and are possessed of a high degree of organization despite the environmental pressures. Cairo is one of the world’s largest cities numerically being thus one finds all the problems of a big city. Despite, pollution and the hecticness of life in Cairo and the city slicker attitude one comes to encounter there is much knowledge to be gained and many lessons to be learned in the city of a 1000 minarets. The student should not expect utopia but that does not preclude that he or she will not find the intellectual and spiritual jewels that prompt the student of knowledge to travel. It must be said that these jewels are found only by the student who is willing to endure and struggle and sacrifice for knowledge and seeks to please Allah {swt} in the contemporary world.
5. Having Ikhlaas and a heart dedicated to your Lord in the process of registering. You are required to have 5 photo copies of your passport, three passport pictures [to be taken in Egypt] , a letter from your embassy granting you permission to study in Egypt. In addition, you are required to have blood work done either the Hussein Hospital or the Zahraa hospital both which are under the supervision of al-Azhar and yo must have paper work given to you by the majma bahouth [registrar’s office] so that the results of your blood work is recorded and presented to al-Azhar so that your paper work is complete. al-Azhar recognizes blood work from the two hospitals mentioned as they are under the Azhari system.
You may need proof that you are Muslim if your name Islamic and written on your passport. You can a certificate declaring your profession of faith from the mashaikha or the office of Shaikh al-Azhar which is close to the al-Azhar masjid.
Subject matters that compromise the entrance exam:
1. Hadith
2. Nahu
3. Sarf
4. Balagha
5. Fiqh according to one of the four schools
6. Aqeeda (according to the ‘Ashari school [what is required in this area is very basic information])
7. Sirah
8. Tafsir
You can find the books that will help you for the entrance exams behind Masjid al-Azhar in the Dar al-Atrak area. There is a book shop known as al-maktab al-Azhariyah and they have what are known as the Tawdih series (Yes, Azhari cliff notes) for every subject that one is tested in.
There are oral exams along with written exams. After you take the oral exams you will be placed in the part of the examination process which requires writing it consists of the eight subjects listed above. Depending on how well you prepare for the tests you will be either placed in the middle school or the high school. Most students who prepare well invest 1 to 2 years in the high school wherein they study al-Fiyah ibn Malik, a madhab, arabic rhetoric and literature and hadith and tafsir etc. The base of Azhari education is in its high school system. Education there is not bad at all, you will study a number of good traditional texts there.
After a few months (because the exams to get in are in the middle of the year) you will be eligible to take two exams:
If you failed to make it to the last year of high school then you can test for the next year (to move up a grade). Or you can take the test to get into the university (in other words kinda like a test for the high school diploma.) If you pass the exit exam you can chose from one of the following colleges:
* Usol al-Din
* Shari’ah
* Arabic language
* Qur’an (eight year program)
* Dawa
* Islamic studies
The first two have the best reputation. However, don’t expect anything like your used to back home. there is NO ORGANIZATION so you must have a great deal of patience.
6. Exams start in late October early November. Thus, you need to have your paper work turned in to the office of foreign students in Nasir City by September/late August.
This office is behind the Women’s dorms located at the intersection of Mustapha Nahas and Tayran streets. It is one the sixth or eighth floor of the building. The building is simply known as the Idara. Go there around 10 am. The will close very shortly after the noon prayer.
7. Finally, Egypt is made up of all types of groups from the Salafis to the Shadhulis. Thus, students who have a balanced outlook and avoid being too extreme, and carry themselves in a balanced manner are successful in Egypt as they are able to deal with the diversity which represents the society and the Muslim ummah.
Remember the statement of your Lord,
“Thus we’ve made you a balanced nation.” Although you have these different groups there is a general feeling of love and brotherhood amongst most of them which we lack in the West.”
Why al-Azhar?:
One of the reasons that I chose al-Azhar and why I would recommend it, is because of the depth and maturity in outlook that the program cultitvates. You will not come out of Egypt hating sufis, bashing salafis and spending your life on mundane issues. You will, inshallah, come out with a profound respect for others and a love and concern for humanity. You will learn to appreciate your condition and strive harder to be a better human being and service society muslim and otherwise. It is really something incredible here to meet, live with and read from so many persons of different thoughts, ideas and orientations, so many scholars.
Note:
If you want to come here to start the latest click, cool fad or are bent on being intolerant of others then this is the wrong place to come. People come here to help the Ummah and be of benefit to humanity.
I encourage all of you, who are serious students to come, I’m your brother here and you will find me more than willing to help you the best I can. We have now, by Allah’s blessing, around 10 students in al-Azhar form the West and a few more entering this year. Thus, you are welcome.
Which is better Syria/Egypt?
This is really a very harmful question. All of these places have benefit. I’ve seem some amazing students come out of all of these lands and I’ve seen my share of flunkies. As one of our teachers told us, “99% of it rest on the student’s heart and his hal with Allah.” Thus, let’s avoid this type of dangerous competition and say, “All are, inshallah, on goodness from Allah.” I have nothing but respect and awe for the students of knowledge from Sham and other places and feel that they are really very special people. Let move towards developing each other and not destroying each other.
Costs:
1. Up until now Al-Azhar is free although there is a rumor that they will begin to charge Westerners $400.00 yearly next year. However, books and everything are very cheap here in Egypt. For example I bought the ‘Amir’s printing of Lisan al-’Arab for $75 USD.
2. Living is cheap as well for many. But for families it can get interesting. There are a number of Islamic schools for children here and some of them can get a little pricey. At the same time there are others that are good and the price is decent.
3. If you are married make sure brothers to involve your wife in the process. There are many great Women scholars here and a number of places for women to study. However, it is important to get out and not live in the Arabic language centers. That is a first step and you should try to move beyond that after you have a good mastery of the language.
4. It is important to surround yourself with Westerners who can help you and keep you cool. Egyptian people are very good but poverty is eating at the faith like a termite eats wood. Things are not easy for them. You will see a lot of boy friend girl friend stuff, people smoking weed, robberies and other things. Thus, you need your fellow students to offer you support and fraternity in such situations.
5. It should, if all goes according to plan, take you 6-7 years to complete the Azhari program.
With love and respect.
Suhaib D. Webb
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Hi, I urge you to please respond to this question, as I have posted legitimate questions on this website before, but have never received a single response.
I am looking to get married insha Allaah, and want to move with my wife to egypt so we can both study in alazhar insha Allaah. is there any way for me and my wife (to be insha Allaah) to be able to secure work, so that i can maintain the necessary expenditure for the fulfilment of basic needs, in egypt prior to moving to there?
pls pls pls answer this, or at least direct me to where i can get adequate information. i think this website is an invaluable resource, but i feel sometimes that a disservice is committed when people like me searching for answers, which you possess, that could draw me close to Allaah, are neglected and ignored.
your miskeen brother, forgive my shortcomings, salam wrwb.
sami, what makes u think that your questions are being ignored? THey’re probably not being seen in the first place.
As far as working in egypt, forget about it, its’ too hard to find a job, egyptians can’t even find jobs.
hey i did A levels from Pakistan and got Straight A 8 , now i want to do llb in shariah from al azhar, plz help me telling how to apply there,
razor.445@hotmail.com
Regards
Salam,
I currently study in Egypt, there is a law here that barring outsiders(who are not Egyptian) to work in Egypt simply because their own people can’t get work. It’s very hard to find one.
So, I suggest you to study in other places, maybe Yaman or Jordan. I don’t know bout that places, but i know that their people is not as poor as in Egypt, so i suppose that job is easier to find maybe.
Your brother,
Aiman
after having lived here, i would say if yur able to find some families that would employ you as an english tutor on a regular basis, that should give you something.
for a couple, to be not extremely tight, id say have 4000 at least to spend monthly BESDIES rent. which could be up to 3000 for a decent furnished place in nasr city. u can find lower than that if u decide to go the unfurnished route and furnish it yourself.
food for a couple maybe up to 2000. the rest for other expenses out of the total 4000 spending money.
if yur able to save and then come here, that would be ideal. or go back and work every summer.
Salaam alaikum brother,
I’m an American convert and I’m living in Alexandria, Egypt(have been for about 7 yrs now), teaching English at Amideast.I’ve decided to study at Al Azhar, faculty of Arabic and Literature. I’ve currently considered advanced level; studying Alfiyya ibn Malik in Grammar, etc. I have some more questions if possible. My number is 0114-474-2022.
Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
Peace
As-Salam u Alaykum,
JazakumAllahuKhair for the information. I’m currently trying to goto the Maa’had Qira’aat at Al-azhar, which is the 8 year Quran program. However, I’ve been told it’s not apart of the Azhar school. How does this work and how can I try to get in?
I have heard having a beard is illegal in Egypt….Is it so. I have a beard and I want to travel to Egypt
Nope, not true
But it can potentially be a problem if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time…
tons of people here have beards.
I truly wished that I had stretched my legs many moons ago. I’m 39 now and married with 2 children. I would love to go. Mmnnnn.
Ps great article Suhaib, jzk
AsSalamu Alaykum Imam Suhaib,
Thank you for posting this article. May Allah reward you and increase you in knowledge.
I became aware of this site after watching your talk at the UC Berkeley seminar.
I have a question regarding the Dar al-Iftaa program. What are the entry requirements of the program? Does one need to have studied at al-Azhar in order to enter?
This information will be invaluable.
Jazakallahu Khair
S
ASALAMU ALEIKUM i am an indian learning arabic language at nadwa arabic college lucknow india.i want to undergo my further islamic study at your university.please tell me how to apply for the comming academic session my email is samar.husain621@gmail.com
SubhanaAllah! And we often look high upon those who completed their studies in Oxford or Yale or Cambridge! I will never look at al-Azhar graduates the same way again! Thanks for writing this, Sheikh Suhaib!
Al-Azhar is already considered as the ‘Oxford’ of the Islamic world. The graduates are highly respected in their home countries, almost the way an ivy league alumni would be.
I heard from reliable sources that Al-Azhar was outspoken against the Egyptian revolution. Also I have heard from Egyptian Islamic leaders that Al-Ahzar has been silent at best and for the most part, been supportive of the dictatorship of Husni Mubarak while obvious injustices were occurring in Egypt. Please give us a fact based analysis on Al-Azhar’s track record of being an advocate of social justice in light of recent events and history.
Al-Azhar stance was not against the Egyptian revolution, but the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar was cautious that – at its very early days – the revolution might lead to a civil war or a big tribulation [fitna] which may outweigh the benfits of the revolution.
Then, half way through when it became clear that the revolution is more likely to be successful, Al-Azhar supported it.
The 1952 revolution was quick to nationalise all the Islamic Endowments that had been the main source of financial support for Al-Azhar establishment for centuries long. This turned all staff of Al-Azhar organization into government employees who take a monthly salary from the government. Moreover, the 1952 revolution abolished the “Grand Scholar Authority” which elected from its members the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and instead the post of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar became filled by a presidential decree rather than being elected from within a group of high calibre scholars.
As one wise scientist once wrote “your freedom to talk is directly proportional to your freedom in earning your bread”. This left a very small percentage of staff who could dare to criticise the tyrant rulers of Egypt and consequently find themselves either in jail or begging in the streets.
as-salamu ´alaikum wa jazak Allahu khairan for this informative, useful and honest article. I´m from Germany, but i didn´t found much informations about this theme in german.
wa ´alaikum as-salam
Jazak Allahu khairan, Sheikh. I have been in contact with Sheikh Osman Umarji on the same topic and he guided me to your web page. Insh Allah, I will visit here more often to get a better understanding of how to become more with my emaan.
VERY VALUABLE INFO
JAZAKALLAAH KHAIRE
I always seem to come back to this article. It inspires me now that I am overseas studying.
I love the way Br. Suhaib offered to help Westerners if they got to al-Azhar.
الله يحفظكم
Salaams,
Thanks for this useful article. What about a foreigner who is already in Egypt and want to join Al-Azhar. Her Arabic is not so good.
Please advise!
salaam
brother i have honestly been very very eager and it has been a dream to get into the university to study the quraan i am currently a hafiz of 17 juzz and am 19 years old please if it is possible can you lead me into getting into the uni wallahi i will make duaa for you all my life and will never forget this favour if you can please please help me
jazakallah
i look forward to hearing from you
wasalaam
Jazzak Allah for sharing this article…For the first time I realizes that Aalims and Hafiz have to go these difficult phases…Hats off to all the Aalims, Hafiz and all the religious scholars…SubhanAllah…May Allah s.w.t reward you for every small or big effort you put in making people like “Me” get the right flavor of Islam…
Jazzak Allah Khair,
Assalamualaykum
Very interesting article. May Allah reward you.
Just asking whether hifz of the whole qur’an is integrated any of the faculty you enter. Also is the Bachelor degree 6-7 years? Jazaakallah khayr
i want to know can i enter al azhar with a high school certifacate from a non arabic speaking country.
also are there boarding schools specifically for memorising of the quran if so can u pleae give me a short description of this scool.
Salaamu Alaikum, i studied in yemen, hadramout, darul mustafa for approxametly 2 years and i live in london, i wanted to study in al-azhar and complete the arabic programme for a shahaada that i can use to study in here in london, any advise on what to do and how to get there?
assalamu aleikoom. I am from Iran but from sunnism religion & I really want to study in al-azhar university,
can you help me to register at there? or what must I do?
please help me.
thank you too.
Asalamu alaikum wrahmtullahe w brakatuh!
Oreed an a’talam lughatul Arabia fe jaameatul azhar.
If possible you should go to Mecca or Medina why would you want to go anywhere else… Subahanallah
totally agree
Slm brother I am from. South Africa and have great desire to further my studies in Arabic at Al Azhar. I am trying to apply for a schorlarship programme to enter Al Azhar but for some reason I am not getting any results on the webb, could please provide me with help in this or give me sheikh al azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayyibs details? Please… Shukran