LATE in the 18th century Abdullah el- Sharqawi, the Grand Sheikh of Al- Azhar declared his solidarity with the peasants in the Delta province of Bilbeis, some 80 kilometres from Cairo. They were protesting at high prices and numerous taxes imposed on Egyptians at that time by their Ottoman rulers. Abdel-Halim Mahmoud, another Sheikh of Al-Azhar in the second half of the 20th century, submitted his resigna- tion to late President Anwar el-Sadat (1970-1981) objecting to attempts to influence Al-Azhar's independence or impose specific policies on the presti- gious Muslim institution. The post of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar was created in 1690, and ever since all holders of the highly venerated post have been appointed. Although Law No 106 of 1961, which concerned the re-organisation of Al-Azhar, stipulated that the President of the Republic of Egypt has to appoint the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the pres- ident does not have the authority to remove him. This was intended to ensure the independence of the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, but it has proved ineffective in this respect, say critics. In the wake of the January 25 revolution in Egypt, calls have been made to change this article to enable Al-Azhar scholars to select the Grand Sheikh of this institution, which is the pre-eminent seat of Sunni Islam learning. This demand was one reason behind a series of demonstrations that have been recently held, in which protesters have asked that the post of the Sheikh of Al- Azhar should be assumed through election and not by appointment. This demand has been supported by Ahmed el-Tayyeb, the incumbent Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar. However, el-Tayyeb has some reservations and even fears on other matters that may adversely affect the election of the Sheikh of Al-Azhar. They include violations that marred recent legislative polls and the existence of a political Islam, with Muslim clerics, financed by individuals and organisations, both internally and externally. However, the response of the State authorities, represented by acting Premier Essam Sharaf, recognises the necessity for the development of Al- Azhar and its role across the Muslim world. According to el-Ahmadi Abul Nour, a former Minister of Religious Endowmwnts, while the independence of Al-Azhar does not mean it will be one thing and the State another, it does not mean that no specific policy would be imposed on the religious institution. “Al-Azhar should by no means be governed by any political trend, so that it can undertake its tasks, giving advice and guidance on the right path and raising awareness of different perils as well as warning of corruption and injustice, in addition to calling for societal unity," he told the semi-official newspaper Al-Ahram. The expenditure of Al-Azhar is very high with its numerous religious and countrywide educational affiliates, in addition to Al-Azhar University, which include the Islamic Research Centres in Cairo and the coastal city of Alexandria.
