Author: Hassan Hassan

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The inner courtyard of Al-Azhar University (photo: picture alliance/Bibliographisches Institut/Prof. Dr. H. Wilhelmy)

Al-Azhar and Pan-Islamic Rationalism

The Demise of Islamic Centres of Moderation

The spread of extremism in Muslim societies in the past century can be attributed to a largely overlooked trend: the demise of religious institutions that once had global reach. Focusing on Egypt's Al-Azhar university, Hassan Hassan takes a look into the matterMore

Niqab Debate in Egypt: Divided ScholarsSocietal Change in Egypt: A Riveting Wave of Political and Religious Soul SearchingNew Grand Sheikh at Al-Azhar University: Fighting Extremism in A Suit and Tie
Front cover of Al-Ghazali's 'Tiber al-masbuk' manuscript at the American University of Beirut (image: www.alghazali.org)

The decline of Islamic scientific thought

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Don't blame it on al-Ghazali

Academics are correct in pinpointing the exact period in which Muslims began turning away from scientific innovation – the 11th century – but in Abu Hamid Al Ghazali they have identified the wrong person. By Hassan HassanMore

''The House of Wisdom'' and the Golden Age of Learning in the Arab-speaking WorldIslam and Enlightenment: A Space for Doubts and QuestionsComparative Theology: Muslims and Christians Discussing Nietzsche

In brief

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Most Recent Photo Essay

Overshadowed by conflict: Ramadan has come to an end in the midst of escalating violence between Palestinians and Israelis. Still, about 100,000 Muslims came together on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Thursday, according to media reports. The compound, which is home to the iconic Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, is the third holiest site in Islam

Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month marked by fasting, has come to an end. Now Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr despite the pandemic and violent conflicts. Here's a look at how some people are marking the festival. By Uta Steinwehr