Al-Azhar has consistently produced the world’s top Sunni scholars known for their courage. In the 18th century, they rebelled against Saudi Arabia’s militant Wahhabi-Salafi theology and resisted Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt. In the 19th century, Al-Azhar courageously welcomed their first progressive scholars, who modernized Islamic academics while preserving its classical heritage.

Al-Azhar continues to resist both militant Islam and secular ideology, while integrating modern disciplines with classical theology. Today, its tolerant conservatism attracts tens of thousands of devout Sunni students. It partners with over 4000 teaching institutions.

When the theologians of Al-Azhar speak, Sunni Muslims listen. If Islamic leaders will ever permit a relaxation of mistreatment of Christians or those converting to Christ, it will likely come from Al-Azhar. In the absence of a worldwide Muslim caliph (successor to Muhammad), Al-Azhar is the closest approximation to the theological center of gravity in the Sunni Islamic world today.