Grand Imam Invites Tahfiz, Qiraat Students in Malaysia to Further Studies at Al-Azhar University

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Prof Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Tayyeb has invited Malaysian students in the fields of tahfiz Al-Quran and Qiraat to further their studies at Al-Azhar University’s Tanta campus in Egypt.

"I am very happy to see the development of Darul Quran Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) in Malaysia. Almost 7,000 Malaysian students have continued their studies in various fields in Egypt.

"Therefore, I would like to invite Darul Quran graduates and other Al-Quran tahfiz maahad in Malaysia to continue their studies not only at Maahad Qiraat Shoubra, but also at Kulliyyah Al-Quran Al-Karim in Tanta."

The Grand Imam said this during a working visit to Darul Quran JAKIM in Kuala Kubu Bharu on Wednesday.

JAKIM director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff; Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia, Ragai Tawfik Nasr; mufti and religious officials who graduated from the university were also present.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, in his speech, expressed his hope that the visit would open up wider opportunities for Darul Quran JAKIM graduates to continue their studies in other fields besides Qiraat at Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

In his speech, the Grand Imam reminded the public about the danger of the hermeneutic trend in interpreting the meaning of the verses of the Quran and the Quraniyyun group that raises doubts about the truth of the Prophet's hadith, which if left unchecked, will eliminate three-quarters of the teachings of Islam.

Meanwhile, the Grand Imam also prayed for the safety of the Palestinian people and the well-being of Malaysians.

"May God, with the blessings of the Holy Quran, grant victory to the Palestinian people who steadfastly defend their homeland and may God protect Malaysia and its people."

The Grand Imam also expressed his appreciation for the welcome and hospitality he received during his visit to Malaysia.

The Grand Imam is currently on a four-day special visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Wisma Putra, in a statement Tuesday, announced that the special visit by the Grand Imam, whose rank is equivalent to that of a prime minister under the Egyptian Constitution, is a historic moment in bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Arab Republic of Egypt.

-- BERNAMA