The administration of Al-Azhar Mosque announced that Thursday, October 8, 2026, corresponding to 27 Rabi Al-Thani 1448 AH, will be an official holiday, in accordance with the Prime Minister's decision regulating official holidays.
The administration explained that all educational activities and services at Al-Azhar Mosque will be suspended during the holiday, along with activities at Al-Azhar Riwaq branches across the governorates.
Educational Activities Suspended
The holiday covers educational activities and programs held at Al-Azhar Mosque and its Riwaq branches.
These activities are scheduled to resume after the official holiday according to the previously approved timetables and schedules.
The administration emphasized that the resumption of programs will follow the established schedules to ensure the regular continuation of educational activities once the holiday ends.
When Will Al-Azhar Riwaq Activities Resume?
Educational programs and Al-Azhar Riwaq activities are expected to resume according to the approved schedules following the end of the official holiday.
The decision comes as part of compliance with national regulations governing official holidays, while regular operations will continue according to the designated schedules afterward.
Al-Azhar Scholars Among Soldiers on the Front
The role of Al-Azhar scholars has historically extended beyond religious statements and sermons delivered in mosques to broader social and national engagement.
A number of Al-Azhar scholars visited the front to meet officers and soldiers, share their circumstances, raise their morale, and emphasize values of patience, steadfastness, and sacrifice for the country.
Among the scholars associated with this role were Sheikh Hassan Al-Maamoun, Dr. Abdel Halim Mahmoud, Dr. Muhammad Al-Fahham, Sheikh Muhammad Metwally Al-Shaarawy, Sheikh Muhammad Abu Zahra, and Sheikh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim.
The Role of Al-Azhar Scholars in Supporting Soldiers' Morale
Several scholars made efforts to stay alongside soldiers and commanders at their positions on the front, delivering lessons and sermons intended to strengthen morale and encourage steadfastness.
Their messages emphasized sacrifice, patience, and perseverance, encouraging soldiers to do their utmost to reclaim the land and defend the country.
The presence of Al-Azhar scholars among the soldiers also carried an important moral message: support for the war effort was not limited to the armed forces, but involved Egyptians contributing from their respective positions in support of the country's efforts to reclaim its land.
Is Al-Azhar Mosque closed on Thursday, October 8, 2026?
Yes. Al-Azhar Mosque administration announced that Thursday, October 8, 2026, will be an official holiday.
Will Al-Azhar Riwaq activities be suspended?
Yes. Educational activities and services at Al-Azhar Riwaq branches will be suspended during the official holiday.
When will educational activities resume?
Educational programs will resume according to the established schedules after the official holiday ends.
Does the holiday include Al-Azhar Riwaq branches across the governorates?
Yes. The announced suspension covers educational activities and services at Al-Azhar Riwaq branches across the different governorates.
Which Al-Azhar scholars were associated with supporting soldiers?
The names mentioned include Sheikh Hassan Al-Maamoun, Dr. Abdel Halim Mahmoud, Dr. Muhammad Al-Fahham, Sheikh Muhammad Metwally Al-Shaarawy, Sheikh Muhammad Abu Zahra, and Sheikh Muhammad Zaki Ibrahim.
