Al-Azhar University played a pivotal role in the establishment of University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) as UAI was born from the will of the Grand Mosque of Al-Azhar, Jakarta. Furthermore, the name Grand Mosque of Al-Azhar was bestowed by the Rector of Al-Azhar University, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Syaltout, when he visited the mosque in 1960 to give a sermon to the Ummah. From that point on, the Grand Mosque of Al-Azhar, Jakarta has begets schools ranging from kindergarten to university under the umbrella of Al Azhar Islamic Boarding School Foundation (YPI), Indonesia. Now, history repeats itself as the Rector of Al-Azhar University, Prof. Dr. Salamah Daud visited UAI on February 20, 2025.
A Joyous Welcoming
Prof. Daud’s visit to UAI was accompanied by the Ambassador of Egypt to Indonesia, H.E. Yasser Elshemy, and Vice Rector of Al-Azhar University, Prof. Dr. Ramadhan Al-Shawi. They were received in the Lobby of UAI by officials from UAI, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc., the Vice Rectors, and the Head of International Affairs and Partnerships, Dr. Mohamad Ghozali Moenawar, Lc., M.M. Officials from YPI, which was led by its Chairman, Dr. Fuad Bawazier, MA, received them as well. After they exchanged pleasantries, they took a group photo in the lobby.
Exploration of Collaboration
After the group photo ended, the respective parties headed to the Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor to conduct an exploration of collaboration. The meeting was opened and led by the Vice Rector III for Student Affairs and Alumni, Dr. Faisal Hendra, Lc., M.A., and accompanied by Vice Rector II for Resources, Ir. Ade Suryanti, M.M. IPU.
Afterwards, Dr. Fuad took his time to appreciate the time the guest had taken to arrive here and hoped that this visit would create a continous and positive collaboration.
Then, Prof. Asep supported Dr. Fuad statement and continued that the collaboration between UAI and Al-Azhar University will shape and cultivate Islamic scholars, especially with the presence of Grand Al-Azhar Mosque to empower the Ummah..
Our collaboration in the sphere of research and education would offer the chance to cultivate Islamic scholars who are sound in moral and Islamic values but also astute in research capacities and critical thinking. Mosques near us can be utilized to empower the students and ummah by harnessing mosque management.
Last but not least, Prof. Daud was delighted with the “Al-Azhar” name used by UAI and welcomed the possibility of a partnership. Furthermore, Al-Azhar University wishes to visit UAI in the future to finalize the agreement.
We’re very happy and proud to see the “Al-Azhar” name used by your esteemed university; it signifies Al-Azhar’s positive name in the minds of the people. Furthermore, we welcome your initiatives, and we’re delighted to continue and discuss this collaboration in the future, such as MoU signing and visiting lectures again. That is why we are going to visit your university again in the future.
Conclusion
As the meeting reached its end, both delegations stood in the front of the Rector’s room on the 2nd floor of UAI to take a group photo. The history between the two universities has led to official visits and visiting lectures that hopefully served as an indomitable commitment to rejuvenate Islamic scholars and institutions around the globe. Aamiin (BR).