Al-Azhar’s support for the constitution is not surprising, given its history
In his book “Al-Azhar: the Sheikh and the Mosque,” Helmy al Namnam writes: “The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar ascended the pulpit to sing the praise of Bonaparte while delivering the Eid sermon ... Sheikh [Abdullah] al-Sharqawy warned worshippers and all Muslims that God’s wrath will strike anyone who thinks of ‘disobeying the orders of the Mamluks’ vanquisher’,” highlighting Al-Azhar’s full support of Napoleon Bonaparte during the French expedition from 1798 to 1801.