Egypt : Masjid Al-Azhar...

Al-Azhar University...

After everybody's full, we went to visit Masjid Al-Azhar, a place where Al-Azhar University started. As many would know, Al-Azhar University is the oldest in the world (the most famous anyway). It started in the Masjid itself where the famous sheiks started teaching/preaching in the compound.

Even until today, the Masjid's still being used for teachings and classes. Al-Azhar University's also known for producing world class scholars in the fields of Islamic teachings, Arabic language and also scientific fields. Now they're catering for thousands of medical students from Malaysia. In Cairo itself, they have about 3 to 5 thousands Malaysian students (Medic and traditional islamic subjects).

From my observation, the Egypt government has granted the use of a vast area of land for the use of the students and the University. They cater not only for Egyptian students but also other nationalities in the name of education. I truly feel that their efforts should be recommended.

When my husband and Afzan finished praying, we entered the Masjid and I was in awe of my surrounding. I could feel the purity of the ambience and I automatically hushed my own voice (if that was possible...hehehe). I admired the square where Afzan told us that teachings still carried out by famous sheikhs. They even have favourite corners to preach from.

The carvings at the entrance of the Masjid...

My husband felt the chill after wudhu'...

But what I remembered most about the square was the black wooden platform on the right. It used to be where Salahuddin Al-Ayubi address his troop. In the western world, he was known as Saladin and he was famous for his chivalry. Imagine, a time when a muslim leader was also respected by his enemies because of his character and high moral. Wow! Can you imagine that?!!

The square...

Can you see the black platform in the picture?

That's where a muslim general address his troop...

Another thing that I loved about the Masjid was it's practicality and preserved tradition. It has served as a centre of excellence from hundreds of years ago and is still continuing to do so... for the coming generations. When I was there, it felt like time stood still and very calming. There's still classes carried out in the Masjid.

An example of a class...

What's inside...

Afzan showed us the original building, where it's still being used as a prayer area. When we were there, a TV crew was also there to film one of the sheikh's kuliah. The structure of the whole area was still strong and full of carvings.

The original Masjid...

TV crew setting up...

The chair was where the sheikh supposed to sit...

The unique lighting made from glass/porcelain?!!

My husband was listening to Afzan...

Even though I've been to the Blue Mosque in Turkey and find it very beautiful, I do feel more in awe of the Masjid Al-Azhar. Why? Because I feel that it has done more in terms of the betterment of the ummah throughout the years and I pray that it'll be there for hundreds of years to come.

Now, I'm wondering what it would feel like to be in Masjidil Haram...sigh. I pray that I'll have the opportunity to be there at least once in my lifetime, insyaallah. Amin...