Minister: Grand Sheikh Of Al-Azhar Visit Very Important

Jakarta, 14 Jumadil Awwal 1437/22 February 2016 (MINA) – The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said the visit of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Thayyeb to Indonesia is very important to address the problems that faced by Muslims in Indonesia.

“This visit is very important because the momentum is very precise. Currently our scholars need to get a view how to solve the problems we are facing now, “Lukman Hakim told Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) after a closed meeting with the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar in MUI Building, Jakarta, Monday.

He said Muslims need to obtain a straight view as Islam is rahmatan lil Alamin. According to him, there are many people who abused Islam for political interests.

“As we know, Islam in Indonesia is currently abused by part of people for their political interests, so we often encounter conflicts on behalf of religion,” he said.

He hoped, after the visit of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, there are no more groups fight each others on behalf of their interests.

“Therefore, the tolerance is needed as each people and groups have different views . Lukman explained that different views is a natural things that has happened since the time of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi Wasallam, “he said.

Lukman delievered his grateful for the visit of Grand Sheikh Al-Azhar to Indonesia. “We are grateful for the visit of Sheikh Al-Azhar. However, he did not just meet with the president and the public, but also with scholars of Indonesia, “he concluded.(L/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)