TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ahmed Muhammad Ahmed el-Tayeb, the current Grand Imam of al-Azhar, is scheduled to visit Indonesia on Sunday (21/2).
Secretary General of the Indonesian al-Azhar Alumnae Association (IAAI) Muchlis M Hanafi said that the visit is very important to promote relations between the two countries, especially in the education, culture and religions teaching fields.
“Egypt is also the first country that recognized Indonesia’s independence,” Muchlis said in a statement.
Muchlis also said that the visit is also very important to promote relations between Indonesian Muslims and al-Azhar.
Since 19th century, Muchlis said that there have been many Indonesian students who study at al-Azhar University, which was founded by the Isma'ili Shi'a Fatimid dynasty in 970 M.
“Currently, there are around 4,000 Indonesian students studying at al-Azhar university,” he added.
Muchlis further said that another important meaning from this visit is the fact that al-Azhar University is an important pillar in spreading the understanding of moderate Islam so its role must be supported and strengthened.
LARISSA HUDA