The independence of Al-Azhar (the oldest Sunni Islam seat of learning) has surfaced today as a prerequisite for societal balance. Al-Azhar has always been regarded by Muslims around the world as a prestigious institution that has advocated moderate Islam and, as such, functioned as a beacon for enlightened thought. In Al-Azhar heyday, its scholars freely spoke their minds away from the grip of the State. It is no secret that the influence of Al- Azhar has in the past four or five decades dwindled by virtue of restricting laws that have deprived it of its independence. The air of freedom breathed in the aftermath of the January 25 revolution has prompted Al-Azhar clerics to call for restoring the long missed role of the religious institution, which would be impossible if Al-Azhar remained financially and administratively dependent on the State. Accordingly, the election of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar by a committee of theologians seems a fair demand. Moreover, protesting clerics have every right to demand the affiliation of all other religious bodies such as the Ministry of Waqfs (religious endowments) and Dar el-Iftaa (body issuing religious edicts) to Al-Azhar. The upgrading of the educational curricula of Azharite schools and colleges is actually a pressing need if Al-Azhar is intended to assume a cultural and social role in societal development. It stands to reason that the independence of Al-Azhar as an all-embracing institution would secure a better performance. The credibility of this institution would not only tone down the effect of extremists but also enhance values of honesty, dedication to work and benevolence which are needed more than ever these days.
