Former Indonesian Finance Minister:

Al-Azhar is the destination of choice for students of knowledge seeking to study Islamic and Arabic sciences from all over the world.

We are committed to the Azharite methodology in education and Da’wah, and we take pride in working to spread Al-Azhar’s message.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb received today, Wednesday, at Al-Azhar Headquarters, Dr. Fuad Bawazier, former Indonesian Minister of Finance and President of the Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia, and his accompanying delegation, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar stressed the depth of the historical relations that link Al-Azhar with Indonesia, in which foreign students have played an important role in its progress and development. He pointed out that the number of Indonesian students studying at Al-Azhar is constantly increasing, and that we now have approximately 14,500 male and female Indonesian students studying at various educational levels at Al-Azhar. We also have 9 institutes in Indonesia whose certificates have been officially accredited in accordance with the Azharite certificate, and Al-Azhar provides 200 scholarships annually to the youth of Indonesia.

Dr. Bawazier expressed his happiness at meeting the Grand Imam, and his appreciation for the great efforts His Eminence is making in spreading the true religion, and the great care and attention he gives to Indonesian students. He reviewed the activities of the “Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia” (UAI), which was named after Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, this venerable institution that has been - and continues to be - a destination for students of knowledge studying Islamic and Arabic sciences from all over the world.

He pointed out that the UAI has 6 branches in Indonesia, 9 major mosques, in addition to 216 institutes where 65,000 students are taught in pre-university education, and a university where 7,000 male and female students are taught, and a total of 7,750 employees are working at this institution. He stressed that the institution is committed to Al-Azhar approach in education and daw’a, and it is proud to work to spread the message of Al-Azhar, and has completed major plans to help the poor, through the charitable activities carried out by the institution.