Grand Imam of al-Azhar

The Grand Imam of al-Azhar (Arabic: الإمام الأكبر), also known as Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar (Arabic: شيخ الأزهر الشريف), is a prestigious and a prominent official title in Egypt and the Islamic world.^[1] The current Grand Imam is Ahmed el-Tayeb, who assumed the role on 10 March 2010.

Grand Imam of al-Azhar
الإمام الأكبر
Incumbent Ahmed el-Tayeb since 10 March 2010
Residence	Sheikhdom of Al-Azhar [ar]
Appointer	President of Egypt
Formation	1679 (traditional) 1961 (official)
First holder	Muhammad al-Kharashi (traditional) Mahmud Shaltut (official)

The Grand Imam of al-Azhar is considered, by most Muslims, to be the highest authority in Sunni Islamic thought and Islamic jurisprudence^[2] and holds great influence on followers of the theological Ash'ari and Maturidi traditions worldwide. The Grand Imam heads the Al-Azhar Al Sharif, al-Azhar Mosque, and by extension al-Azhar University, and is responsible for official religious matters along with the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

History

The title of the Grand Imam of al-Azhar was officially established in 1961. In the 14th century the head of al-Azhar was granted the title of Mushrif of al-Azhar, then later Nazir of Al-Azhar^[3] and, during the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar. Today the bearer of the title also carries the title of the Grand Sheikh.

See also

• List of grand imams of al-Azhar