Grand Imam of al-Azhar

Sheikh al -Azhar (Arabic شيخ الأزهر, DMG Shaykh al -Azhar / Shaykh al -Azhar ), also al -Azhar Sheikh, Grand Sheik, Grand Imam, etc., is the title of the incumbent of one of the most prestigious offices within Islam. The Al -Azhar Sheikh is one of the highest authorities in Sunni Islam and Islamic jurisprudence, some Muslims as the highest authority. He has a great influence on the followers of the theological traditions of the Ash'arite and Maturiditen world.

Other high religious authorities in Egypt are the Grand Mufti of Egypt and the Egyptian religion minister.

The appointed for life al -Azhar Sheikh is the same Imam or Grand Imam (al- Imam al -Akbar ) of the al -Azhar mosque and rector of al -Azhar University. Mohammad Ahmad al - Tayyeb (born 1946) in 2010, Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi of the deceased. Another person who was holding office, was Shaykh Mahmud Shaltut (from 1958-1963 ).

By the year 1961, the sheikh of Al Azhar University was chosen by a panel of top scholars, since he is appointed by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

There are several descriptions of the Office, which also changed the course of history.