Al-Azhar University

Al-Azhar University is one of Egypt's leading universities and a highly influential source of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence. Founded in 970 CE, it is considered as one of the world's oldest degree-granting universities. The university grew out of, and remains associated with, the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. While Islamic law, theology, and the Arabic language remain the primary educational focus, since 1961 the curriculum has also included modern subjects such as medicine and engineering. The Egyptian government maintains financial control over the institution, a reality that has sparked doubts and accusations about Al-Azhar's religious legitimacy and independence. Al-Azhar is currently led by Grand Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayeb, who replaced Muhammad Sayyid al-Tantawi after his death in March 2010.