Date of source: Monday, June 1, 1998
Sheik The Azhar presents a defense of the law reducing the duration of the secondary section of The Azhar education to three instead of four years. The main argument in the debate that this issue aroused is whether or not the theological education of The Azhar students will be affected.
Date of source: Monday, May 25, 1998
[Also in Al-Osbua and Al-Athnain of the same date]
The parliament witnessed a heated session with Dr. Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, sheik of the Azhar mosque, who fiercely attacked those who insult the Azhar and opposing his plan of reform.
Date of source: Thursday, March 19, 1998
A conflict between Sheikh Tantawi and a group of anti-secular scholars at the Azhar might result in their expulsion from the Azhar.