At the Interfaith and Intercivilizational Reception, Gus Yahya: Welcome to the Land of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – The Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, gave a warm welcome at the “Interfaith and Intercivilizational Reception” with the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar Egypt, H.E. Prof. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyeb, at a hotel in Jakarta, on (10/7/2024).

In his speech, Gus Yahya welcomed Sheikh Al Tayeb and his entourage.

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"Your Excellency, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Al Tayeb, welcome to Indonesia, the land of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah," Gus Yahya began his speech.

Gus Yahya emphasized that Indonesia has welcomed Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah with great hospitality for the past thousand years. Indonesia is also known for its determination to preserve brotherhood, equality, and harmony amidst the diversity of ethnic groups, cultures, and religions.

The PBNU Chairman warmly welcomed Sheikh Al Tayeb’s entourage and invited them to get acquainted with various social groups and different religious communities in Indonesia. Present at the event were the Supreme Leader of Nahdlatul Ulama, Sheikh Miftahul Akhyar, as well as scholars, jam’iyyah officials, and NU cadres.

"Welcome also to the entire entourage accompanying Sheikh, enjoy meeting and getting to know various social groups and religious communities from your brothers and sisters in this beautiful country," continued Gus Yahya.

The event was also attended by leaders of various faiths, including Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist, and Confucian, along with representatives of their congregations. They all welcomed Sheikh Al Tayeb with gratitude for his and Al Azhar’s role in advocating for global peace and introducing the concept of Wasathiyah Islam.

"Everyone is delighted and happy to welcome Sheikh and his entourage, with heartfelt gratitude for Sheikh and Al Azhar's role in promoting global peace from the Islamic world, including introducing the discourse of Wasathiyah Islam," he added.

Gus Yahya expressed deep gratitude to Al Azhar for educating Indonesian students for over a century. The knowledge imparted by the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah from Al Azhar has helped educate many preachers and guides within Nahdlatul Ulama.

"More specifically, Nahdlatul Ulama must express its immense gratitude for Al Azhar’s service over more than a century in educating our students with the knowledge of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah scholars, enabling them to become preachers and guides, and thus Azhariyyun scholars are spread throughout our jam’iyyah and jama’ah," said Gus Yahya.

The event was also attended by nearly 300 university rectors from Nahdlatul Ulama institutions and more than 1000 cadres from various NU organizations, such as Muslimat NU, Ansor NU, Fatayat NU, and NU male and female students, as well as Al Azhar students. The event was also virtually attended by over 300,000 NU members across Indonesia via internet connection.

Closing his speech, Gus Yahya invited the present religious leaders to join him on stage to welcome Sheikh Al Tayeb and his entourage. The presence of these religious leaders demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to maintaining interfaith harmony and welcoming efforts to strengthen brotherhood and harmony amidst diversity. (*)

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