Al-Azhar University, a prestigious Islamic institution in Egypt, has officially opened two new colleges dedicated to Quranic studies. The colleges, one for men and one for women, are located in Cairo and will offer specialized programs in Quranic recitation, interpretation, and related sciences. The opening of these colleges is part of the university's efforts to expand its academic offerings and provide students with in-depth knowledge of Islamic studies.
The decision to establish the colleges was made by the Egyptian government, with Prime Minister's decree number 504 of 2026 approving the creation of the two institutions. The colleges will operate as independent entities within the university, with the men's college located within the Islamic Call College in Cairo and the women's college located within the College of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language for Women.
The curriculum at the Quranic studies colleges will cover a range of subjects, including Quranic recitation, interpretation, and sciences, as well as Arabic language and Islamic studies. Students will have the opportunity to study the Quranic recitations, or "qira'at," and related sciences, as well as the history of the Quran and its interpretation. The colleges aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Islamic studies and prepare them for careers in education, research, and other fields.
The colleges' programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in Quranic studies, as well as skills in research, critical thinking, and communication. Graduates of the colleges will be qualified to work in various fields, including education, research, and media, and will be equipped to contribute to the study and dissemination of Islamic knowledge.
Al-Azhar University's president, Dr. Mahmoud Sadiq, emphasized the importance of the new colleges, stating that they represent a significant step forward in the university's efforts to provide high-quality education in Islamic studies. The president also noted that the colleges will help to meet the growing demand for specialized programs in Quranic studies and related fields.
The establishment of the Quranic studies colleges is part of Al-Azhar University's broader strategy to expand its academic offerings and improve the quality of education in Egypt. The university has a long history of providing education in Islamic studies and is recognized as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in the field.
Key initiatives of the colleges include providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Quranic studies, promoting research and critical thinking, and preparing graduates for careers in education, research, and other fields. The colleges will also offer opportunities for students to engage with the wider academic community and contribute to the study and dissemination of Islamic knowledge.
Key points
- Al-Azhar University has opened two new colleges for Quranic studies in Cairo, one for men and one for women.
- The colleges will offer specialized programs in Quranic recitation, interpretation, and related sciences.
- Graduates of the colleges will be qualified to work in various fields, including education, research, and media.
