Vice President of the Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulama (NU): Al-Azhar constitutes the living conscience of the nation and its vibrant heart of goodness and peace. H.E. Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, received Dr. Noor Ahmed, chairman of the National Zakat Council (NZC) and Mr. Habib Muhammad Hilal Al-Aidid, NU Vice-Chairman in Indonesia, and their accompanying delegation to discuss ways to boost cooperation in supporting Indonesian students at Al-Azhar. Grand Imam At-Tayyeb averred that Indonesian students set an example in commitment, assiduity, diligence, and keenness to acquire knowledge, pointing out that approximately 12,000 Indonesian students are enrolled in various educational levels and academic majors in Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif. He added: We are ready to increase Al-Azhar scholarships offered to Indonesians.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed expressed the delegation’s pleasure to meet the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and their appreciation for his efforts in serving the causes of the Muslim nation. He also expressed his institution’s endeavor to strengthen its relationship with Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, especially with regard to enhancing support for Indonesian students at Al-Azhar, meeting their needs and helping them to devote themselves fully to knowledge acquisition. This is also meant, Dr. Ahmed added, to help Indonesian students at Al-Azhar joining the campaign launched by Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif in support of our brotherly people in Gaza through the EZCH.

On the other hand, Mr. Al-Aidid stated, “We believe that the world is fine as long as Al-Azhar is fine, because Al-Azhar spreads knowledge, peace and security, and it is the beacon for the Muslim world, radiating knowledge, literature, values and morals. Hence, he maintained, we seek to have more Indonesian students enrolled in the honorable Al-Azhar, which constitutes the living conscience of the nation and its vibrant heart of goodness and peace”. He then concluded. “Al-Azhar expresses both the pains and aspirations of the nation, and we in Indonesia are proud of your stances towards our brotherly people in Gaza and cherish them in pride and appreciation.” ‎