University Al-Azhar Indonesia (UAI) and Imam for Training and Development, United Kingdom signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday (31/10). The event that was held in Serbaguna Room, 2nd floor of UAI was represented by Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc. (Rector of UAI) and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ali Belaao (The Founder and Imam for Training and Development). The aim of agreement is to establish and develop joint cooperation between the two institutions and for further joint cooperation in providing knowledge and training programs and projects related to imams, sharia students, and managers of mosques and Islamic centers, providing mutual consulting services and benefiting from scientific, academic, administrative, and technical expertise between the parties as will be referred to in the terms of this agreement.
In the welcoming remarks, Prof. Asep thanked all the delegations from Imam for visiting UAI and he hoped that having this cooperation between both parties especially Imam can be UAI’s partner to expand silahturahim and network in United Kingdom and Imam can enlarge its through UAI in Southeast Asia since UAI has lots of partners in Malaysia, Thailand, etc. He, then, continued to elaborate the history of UAI and “Al-Azhar” and the current achievements that have been earned by all faculties in UAI.
Equally important, in reference to Dr. Mohammed, Imam is an independent scientific and training institution that began operating in 2015 and has continued its mission to this day. The Foundation is officially registered in the United Kingdom and collaborates with various organizations to complement existing efforts. It aims to establish its scientific and training activities in targeted countries, coordinates with councils and institutions concerned with imams, and collaborates with government agencies worldwide, ensuring alignment with the institution’s principles. Adding some more, he emphasized their motto and principles which are development and giving – cooperation and building. As the two institutions have shared similar vision, it is his belief that the way of Sunnah, with a focus on moderation in theory and practice can be implemented to the next Muslim generation for the future Imam. UAI and Imam can collaborate in paying special attention to nurturing a future generation of qualified leaders and advocates through education.
Joining the agenda Dr. rer. nat. Yunus Effendi, S.Pd., M.Si., M.Sc. (Head of Institute for Research and Community Service), Dr. Heri Herdiawanto, S.Pd., M.Si. (Dean of Faculty of Social and Political Science), and Dr. Lusi Lian Piantari, S.S., M.Hum. (Dean of the Faculty of Humanities). (TSH)