Imam of Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia: We thank al-Azhar for hosting the program
Imam of Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia: The program “Preparing Scholars Cadres” has achieved remarkable success and its graduates are highly appreciated in our country
His Eminence, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, received Sheikh Nasaruddin Umar, Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Rector of the University of Quranic Science in Jakarta, Indonesia, at Mashyakhet al-Azhar. The meeting was attended by Prof. Nahla El-Saeedy, Advisor to the Grand Imam for Expatriate Affairs, along with a delegation of Indonesian students enrolled in the ‘Preparing Scholars Cadres’ program, organized by the Education Development Center for al-Azhar International Students.
The Grand Imam highlighted al-Azhar’s strong historical ties with Indonesia, noting that international students have been a key factor in the progress and development of this relationship. He emphasized al-Azhar’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the Istiqlal Mosque Foundation by establishing Azhari institutes in Indonesia for various educational stages, from kindergarten to secondary school. Graduates from these institutes, through certificate equivalency, would be eligible to join al-Azhar University. Additionally, al-Azhar is open to establishing Arabic language centers to teach the language of the Holy Quran, with instruction from select Azhari scholars. The Grand Imam also welcomed the opportunity to train imams from the Istiqlal Mosque and its branches at the al-Azhar International Academy. This training would enhance their skills in countering extremist ideologies and addressing issues such as interfaith relations, women’s rights in Islam, and other societal challenges facing Indonesia.
Sheikh Nasruddin Umar expressed his deep appreciation for the Grand Imam’s support of Indonesian students and scholars, and for al-Azhar’s hosting of the ‘Preparing Scholars Cadres’ Program, which is of great significance to the Indonesian government. This cooperation between al-Azhar, the Istiqlal Mosque, and the University of Quranic Sciences in Indonesia is highly valued. He noted that the program’s curricula were developed in collaboration with the Education Development Center for al-Azhar International Students. It is worth highlighting the growing interest and strong desire among Indonesians to join the program, and every effort is being made to accommodate all applicants. As a result, the number of scholarships available has been increased from 100 to 500.
Additionally, the Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque in Indonesia confirmed that the “Preparing Scholars Cadres” program has achieved remarkable success recently, with its graduates being highly respected and appreciated. Notably, 60 imams were sent to Japan and Korea, and many of the program’s graduates have been accredited as imams in various provinces across Indonesia.
