MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Muhammadiyah welcomed the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Muhammad Ahmed el-Tayeb and his entourage at the Muhammadiyah office of Jakarta on Thursday (July 11). President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir mentioned that the visit of the Grand Sheikh marked a significant step in reaffirming the longstanding relationship between Al-Azhar University and Muhammadiyah.
Haedar extended a warm welcome to the Grand Sheikh, expressing his profound appreciation for the visit. He emphasized the long-standing historical ties that bind Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Muslims, and Al-Azhar University.
“We host him at the Muhammadiyah office in Jakarta because we want him to be present in our own building, not somewhere else. This is to show that Muhammadiyah is an Islamic organization that values its own heritage. It also symbolizes the close, familial relationship between Al-Azhar University and Muhammadiyah,” said Haedar.
Haedar traced the roots of this connection back to the very founding of Muhammadiyah. Ahmad Dahlan, the Muhammadiyah founder, journeyed to Mecca to study and found inspiration in the teachings of Muhammad Abduh and Rashid Rida, both illustrious figures within the Al-Azhar scholarly community.
Haedar shed light on the profound influence these Al-Azhar University scholars had on Ahmad Dahlan’s reformist ideas, which were shaped during his studies in Mecca.
“Both Abduh and Rida were central to the legacy of Al-Azhar University, highlighting the deep intellectual connection between the two institutions,” said Haedar.
The influence of Al-Azhar University extended beyond the Muhammadiyah founder. Haedar pointed to prominent figures such as K.H. Mas Mansur, an alumnus of Al-Azhar University. Mas Mansur played a key role in steering Muhammadiyah’s remarkable progress in various spheres, including da’wa, education, development of future leaders, and participation in national movements. Haedar emphasized Al-Azhar University’s enduring position as a wellspring of progressive Islamic thought and a source of renowned scholars who have significantly impacted Indonesia.
The Grand Sheikh’s visit offered a valuable opportunity for leaders from both Al-Azhar and Muhammadiyah to engage in meaningful discussions. These discussions encompassed a wide range of topics, including fostering interfaith harmony, exploring advancements in education, and identifying potential avenues for collaboration moving forward.
