Public Lecture at UIN Jakarta, Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar University calls for Literacy of Interfaith Tolerance
UIN Jakarta Library, News Online - Main Auditorium, July 09, 2024 - Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta has just held a public lecture attended by the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar as-Syarif University, Cairo, Egypt, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad Ath-Thayyeb. In his public lecture, entitled "Affirming Religious Moderation to Build Tolerance and Harmony" Prof. Ath-Thayyeb echoed the importance of religious tolerance literacy among Muslims.
"Muslims are a great people who have contributed greatly to world civilization," said Prof. Ath-Thayyeb. He emphasized that Muslims should be aware of the great legacy they have left in world history, and not feel inferior or blindly follow the West.
The Grand Sheikh also highlighted the phenomenon where some Muslims are busy making new fiqh and easily blame or even disbelieve those who disagree with them. "Where they make new fiqh, where they easily blame and even disbelieve those who disagree with them," said the Sheikh.
Prof. Ath-Thayyeb also criticized those who get caught up in debates over khilafiyah, but forget about more pressing issues of the ummah such as the issue of Palestine, poverty, and moral decadence. "Those who are busy with khilafiyah matters but forget about the main issues of the ummah such as the Palestinian issue, the issue of poverty, moral decadence and so on," he said.
The public lecture was attended by hundreds of students, lecturers, and community leaders who enthusiastically listened to the Grand Sheikh's presentation. This event is expected to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of religious tolerance and the role of Muslims in addressing global issues.
With the spirit brought by Grand Sheikh Ath-Thayyeb, UIN Jakarta hopes to encourage the literacy of religious tolerance among Indonesian people, as well as strengthen the unity of Muslims in facing global challenges. (Rizki Mulyarahman)