Indonesia Awards Doctorate To Grand Imam Of Al Azhar University

Malang, E Java (Antara Bali) - The Grand Imam of Al Azhar University in Cairo, Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Maulana Malik Ibrahim Islamic State University here amidst stringent security Wednesday.

The tight security was provided by the Indonesian Police and Defense Forces by considering Professor Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib's high-ranking position and his status as a VVIP/ state guest, the Islamic state university's rector Prof. Mudjia Raharjo said.

The honorary doctorate was offered to him for his great contribution to the development of Islamic education, science and moderate Islam for the sake of a peaceful future, Raharjo said.

For the Maulana Malik Ibrahim Islamic State University, what Egypt's Al Azhar University has achieved has inspired it. "We want to follow the Al Azhar University's reputation, which has won the world's recognition," he said.

During his visit to Malang, Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib was accompanied by Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin while the honorary doctorate award ceremony was attended by some 500 people, including top officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry and Foreign Ministry, as well as academicians from both state and privately-run universities in Malang city. (WDY)