"He highlighted the important role of educational institutions, such as Darunnajah, in developing students' potential. Students are taught to balance religious and general knowledge to contribute to society," Chair of the Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School, KH Hadiyanto Arief, said while conveying Sheikh Ahmad's message in a statement on Thursday.
Arief affirmed that the Grand Imam had a positive impression on Islamic education in Indonesia, including on the alumni of Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School, where several of them became students of the Islamic University of Medina and Ummul Quro University in Mecca.
"Sheikh Ahmad is looking forward to more Indonesian students, especially from the Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School, continuing their education at prestigious universities in Saudi Arabia," he stated.
Sheikh Ahmad also laid emphasis on Mecca and Medina as two special holy places, so scholars, especially those studying at both places, have the responsibility to maintain the truth and unite the people rather than divide them.
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Arief remarked that Sheikh Ahmad brought attention to wasatiah, or moderation, wherein striking a balance between lust, spirit, and heart in humans is the key to achieving perfection.
"In the end, he called on the importance of adhering to the Quran and Sunnah and maintaining unity among Muslims," Arief remarked.
Meanwhile, Arief affirmed that Sheikh Ahmad's presence in Darunnajah brings benefits in various fields of knowledge and is a source of inspiration for the students.
This visit also contributed significantly to strengthening spiritual and intellectual ties between the Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School and Saudi Arabian scholars.
Sheikh Ahmad is on a visit to Indonesia on October 8-11 for several activities, including promoting tolerant and moderate Islamic values.
He was scheduled to meet with President Joko Widodo and Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas along with leading prayers and delivering Friday sermons at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
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Translator: Sean Filo M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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