Visiting Al-Azhar, Rais 'Aam PBNU discusses increasing educational and preaching cooperation

Jakarta, NU Online

The Rais 'Aam (supreme leader) of Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU) KH Miftachul Akhyar visited the Al-Azhar Masyayikh Office, Cairo, Egypt on Wednesday (4/8/2021). He was received by the representative of Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohammad Dhuwaini.

 

On that occasion, the two figures discussed increasing cooperation and collaboration between Al-Azhar University and Indonesia in the fields of education and preaching (da'wah), the official media Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif reported.

 

During the meeting, the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) revealed that Al-Azhar was a reference and cenfer of knowledge for all corners of the world.

 

According to him, Al-Azhar is also a source of pure religious knowledge, and has a great position in the hearts of the Indonesian people. It includes its moderate methodology and enlightening thinking. Thus it is useful to fight extremism in society and spread the true religion of Islam.

 

Meanwhile, Sheikh Dhuwaini emphasized the depth of the historical relationship that connects the Al Azhar Foundation and Indonesia, especially in the field of education. He explained that Indonesian students represented more international students at Al-Azhar.

 

They represent their country well, both morally and in their capacity of knowledge. They also carry out the achievements of noted success in most of the colleges and institutions where they study.

 

The cleric who was born on March 28, 1965 also emphasized that Al-Azhar was eager to deepen relations with the Indonesian people, and welcomeed all support for Indonesian students.

 

The Professor of Madzhab Comparison Fiqh of the Faculty of Sharia and Law, Al-Azhar University, explained that Al-Azhar gave special attention. This has been shown by giving more than one hundred and sixty scholarships annually to Indonesian students to display their moderate knowledge and methods, and return to their countries as Al-Azhar ambassadors to spread moderate Islam and the teachings of tolerance.

 

Furthermore, Sheikh Dhuwaini also emphasized that Al-Azhar's concern was accepting Indonesian imams through the Al-Azhar International Academy for the Imam and Da'wah Training. This is a means of improving the skills of imams and da'i (preachers) through the development of the latest knowledge under the guidance of senior Al-Azhar Muslim scholars. This is to enable them to confront extremism, and discuss contemporary intellectual issues with enlightened thinking.

 

Reporter: Syakir NF

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq