Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We are ready to intensify the training courses for Indonesian imams at the Al-Azhar Academy for Imams

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar: We are ready to receive all girls forced to abandon their education in some Muslim countries to complete their studies at Al-Azhar

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders warns of the dangers of incorrect education in creating extremist individuals

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Jusuf Kalla, former Vice President of Indonesia and Chairperson of the Indonesian Mosque Council, at his residence in Jakarta, Indonesia. The pair discussed ways Al-Azhar can support Indonesian imams.

Jusuf Kalla welcomed the Grand Imam on his third visit to Indonesia, emphasizing the high regard in which Indonesians hold Al-Azhar as a significant religious authority. He also noted that graduates of Al-Azhar among Indonesian imams are trusted by the public for their balanced approach, which accommodates social developments while preserving religious and Islamic heritage.

The Chairperson of the Indonesian Mosque Council requested the Grand Imam to intensify the training programs for Indonesian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for Imams and Preachers, increase the number of Al-Azhar envoys to Indonesia, and allocate scholarships for Indonesian imams to pursue postgraduate studies at Al-Azhar University.

The former Vice President of Indonesia further highlighted the necessity for Al-Azhar to play a pivotal role in combating extremist ideologies prevalent in some Islamic countries, which seek to prevent girls from attending schools and universities. He stressed that Al-Azhar is capable of addressing and refuting such ideologies, thus saving these societies from potential future crises.

For his part, the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for Jusuf Kalla's remarks and affirmed that Al-Azhar takes seriously the responsibility of preparing its graduates to meet global challenges, especially those in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that imams and preachers should be key figures in promoting societal stability and protecting it from extremist ideologies.

The Grand Imam re-assured that Al-Azhar is ready to enhance cooperation in training Indonesian imams and preachers through tailored programs, provide scholarships for master's and doctoral studies at Al-Azhar University, and foster collaboration between Al-Azhar University and different Indonesian universities.

Additionally, His Eminence stated Al-Azhar's readiness to intervene in assisting Muslim communities affected by extremist ideologies, clarifying the true image of Islam, and offering necessary support. He declared, "We are prepared to receive all girls forced to abandon their education in some Muslim countries to complete their studies at Al-Azhar with fully funded scholarships, without limiting the number of scholarships due to the harsh conditions these communities are facing." He also emphasized the danger of incorrect education, which is a significant cause of today's suffering, leading to individuals who prohibit many aspects of life.