The Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb has received today, Monday, Mrs. Qatar Al-Nada, daughter of the former Indonesian president, and they discussed ways to enhance scientific and da’wah cooperation.

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam stressed the depth of the historical relationship between Al-Azhar and Indonesia, which has been established throughout history, and the Indonesian students at Al-Azhar have been an important factor in strengthening this relationship. His Eminence pointed out that Al-Azhar is happy to host thousands of Indonesian students to study at various educational levels in its institutes and universities. He also stated that Al-Azhar provides 175 scholarships for Indonesian students annually. He emphasized that Indonesian students set an example in politeness, morals, and diligence in acquiring science and knowledge, and when they go back to their country, they serve as ambassadors, sharing Al-Azhar's moderate thought with their communities.

 

His Eminence the Grand Imam affirmed that Al-Azhar is ready to enhance cooperation with educational and cultural institutions in Indonesia in the fields of translation and authorship, through intensifying scientific and academic activities, exchanging scholars, professors, researchers and students, and training Indonesian imams and preachers at Al-Azhar International Academy for Training Imams and Preachers, to raise their skills in refuting extremist ideology. It also trains them in various issues necessary to confront internal challenges in Indonesia. Al-Azhar is also ready to prepare training programs for Indonesian students in fatwa and rhetoric alongside their academic studies.

 

 

For her part, Mrs. Alyssa Qatar Al-Nada Wahid expressed her happiness for meeting the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, and her country’s appreciation for the great efforts his Eminence is making to serve Islam and Muslims, and to spread the message of peace and brotherhood around the world. She stressed that Al-Azhar is the first destination for Indonesian people who want to study Islamic and Arabic sciences, and that Al-Azhar graduates in Indonesia enjoy a high status in the country and hold the highest positions in various institutions. They were and still are a source of pride for their country and a tool for consolidating the foundations of peace and coexistence in Indonesian society.

 

Mrs. Alyssa Qatar Al-Nada also welcomed the Sheikh of Al-Azhar’s proposal to enhance scientific and academic cooperation in the fields of writing and translation, and the exchange of scholars and researchers, stressing her country’s endeavor to benefit from Al-Azhar’s extensive experience, especially in the fields of teaching Islamic and Arabic sciences.