Religious Minister Opens the ASEAN Muslim Scholar Meeting in Jakarta

Jakarta, MINA – Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin Tuesday opened the Meeting (Halaqah) of ASEAN Muslim Scholar at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Jakarta.

“By saying Bismillahirahmanirrahim, ASEAN Halaqah is officially opened,” said Lukman in the opening ceremony in front of at least 300 participants.

He stated the event is intended to broaden the relationship of Islamic education practitioners from all ASEAN countries, such as ulama, board members of various institutions, academics, and others.

According to Lukman, in this digital era, challenges faced by the Islamic community are more difficult, although there are positive sides on making the communication globally easier.

Especially the problems that occur in the world today are very worrisome, and the obligaton of Muslims is to take part in resolving it, because in fact Islam is Rahmatan Lil Alamin. or bring blessing for the unirverse.

He added that many conflicts in various countries are judged to have a religious background, and Islam is cornered. For that, the role of scholars, and Islamic education is also indispensable in an effort to change the bad image of Islam.

“Our duty to restore the teachings and values of Islam to the essence, the real substance. Maintaining the dignity of humanity, not as a means to deny us or even eliminate one another,” he said.

The meeting which will take place from October 17 to 19, is considered special since it features research on pesantren and educational institutions that have achieved economic independency, both in Indonesia and in ASEAN countries, conducted before the meeting.

“This study will be a term of reference and topic of discussion during the meeting,” said Head of the Center for Religious Education Research and Development Bakhtiar Amsal previously.(L/RE1/RS5)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)