In the process of modernization in the Middle East countries,Islam has a profound impact on the reform of the nations’political systems.Egypt,as the most populous country in the Middle East,has been struggling to res...In the process of modernization in the Middle East countries,Islam has a profound impact on the reform of the nations’political systems.Egypt,as the most populous country in the Middle East,has been struggling to restore regional dominance.When all Egyptian regimes were actively involved in regional and international affairs,al-Azhar,as a long-established Islamic Sunni authority,has also been an influential voice on behalf of Egypt.Since the time of Muhammad Ali in the 19th century,Egyptian leaders have always viewed al-Azhar as a powerful tool for shaping and promoting the domestic and foreign policies of the government with which Egyptian leaders could gradually expand their control over the nation.It was not until the constitutional change in 2012 that al-Azhar was freed from state control and regained some degree of independence.However,as it has provided legitimacy for the government’s controversial policies for a long time,al-Azhar has come under increasing criticism and questioning.The“religious reform”proposed by President Sisi in 2015,attempting to change the right of religious discourse,has undoubtedly worsened al-Azhar.However,al-Azhar and Sisi are not completely opposites.The two sides have profound common interests in counterterrorism and social welfare.It is also with Sisi’s acquiescence and support that al-Azhar has frequently appeared on the international stage to export the Islamic values of peace and tolerance.展开更多
The question of religious authority strikes at the heart of the relationship between religion and politics in Egypt.Whoever may legally claim religious authority has the power to shape religion in a politicised and ob...The question of religious authority strikes at the heart of the relationship between religion and politics in Egypt.Whoever may legally claim religious authority has the power to shape religion in a politicised and objectified manner.This is why,apart from Islamists,conservative initiatives to establish religious influence over public affairs are also advocated by other actors,such as state institutions who are generally more cautious about politicising religion.This paper focuses on the relationship between state and religious authority institutions in Egypt.It aims to show how the state-cooption of religious institutions like Al-Azhar has been useful for the purposes of political legitimisation.The paper discusses how the various tactics adopted by al-Sisi’s government to quell Islamist groups as well as the reforms of the Al-Azhar curriculum have strengthened the path of dependence in which Al-Azhar has been locked since 1961.These reforms have not only put the authenticity of Al-Azhar’s scholarly tradition into question but also tarnished the image of Al-Azhar as the leading centre of Islamic learning in the Muslim world.It is thus very important for Al-Azhar to maintain a balance in order to win a degree of legitimacy in the eyes of its supporters as well as critics.展开更多
文摘In the process of modernization in the Middle East countries,Islam has a profound impact on the reform of the nations’political systems.Egypt,as the most populous country in the Middle East,has been struggling to restore regional dominance.When all Egyptian regimes were actively involved in regional and international affairs,al-Azhar,as a long-established Islamic Sunni authority,has also been an influential voice on behalf of Egypt.Since the time of Muhammad Ali in the 19th century,Egyptian leaders have always viewed al-Azhar as a powerful tool for shaping and promoting the domestic and foreign policies of the government with which Egyptian leaders could gradually expand their control over the nation.It was not until the constitutional change in 2012 that al-Azhar was freed from state control and regained some degree of independence.However,as it has provided legitimacy for the government’s controversial policies for a long time,al-Azhar has come under increasing criticism and questioning.The“religious reform”proposed by President Sisi in 2015,attempting to change the right of religious discourse,has undoubtedly worsened al-Azhar.However,al-Azhar and Sisi are not completely opposites.The two sides have profound common interests in counterterrorism and social welfare.It is also with Sisi’s acquiescence and support that al-Azhar has frequently appeared on the international stage to export the Islamic values of peace and tolerance.
文摘The question of religious authority strikes at the heart of the relationship between religion and politics in Egypt.Whoever may legally claim religious authority has the power to shape religion in a politicised and objectified manner.This is why,apart from Islamists,conservative initiatives to establish religious influence over public affairs are also advocated by other actors,such as state institutions who are generally more cautious about politicising religion.This paper focuses on the relationship between state and religious authority institutions in Egypt.It aims to show how the state-cooption of religious institutions like Al-Azhar has been useful for the purposes of political legitimisation.The paper discusses how the various tactics adopted by al-Sisi’s government to quell Islamist groups as well as the reforms of the Al-Azhar curriculum have strengthened the path of dependence in which Al-Azhar has been locked since 1961.These reforms have not only put the authenticity of Al-Azhar’s scholarly tradition into question but also tarnished the image of Al-Azhar as the leading centre of Islamic learning in the Muslim world.It is thus very important for Al-Azhar to maintain a balance in order to win a degree of legitimacy in the eyes of its supporters as well as critics.
