| Hakim Hayat |
BRUNEI Darussalam deeply values the role played by Egypt’s Al-Azhar University in propagating true Islamic teachings and in enhancing the understanding of the ‘Wasatiyyah’ concept, in accordance with Brunei Darussalam’s strong adherence to the teachings of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, said Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman yesterday.
The minister made the remark in his welcoming speech on the occasion of a special talk at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas, which was organised as part of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Professor Dr Ahmed Mohammad Ahmed El-Tayeb’s visit to Brunei.
“The Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah creed is the mainstay of the country’s policies in its education system and nationhood, apart from its teachings that are consistent with the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB),” he said.
He also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between the educational authorities in Brunei and the Al-Azhar University, to ensure the preservation of Islamic faith within the Sultanate, in line with the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.
The special religious lecture delivered by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on challenges within the Muslim community in facing the threat of terrorism, was attended by over 2,000 individuals, comprising staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and other ministries, as well as academics and students.
Prior to the lecture, Ahmad Zulwaqar bin Suhaili, the first-place winner of the Southeast Asian Al-Quran Recitation Competition 2017, recited a selection of verses from Al-Quran.
The event also featured the launching of the Brunei branch of the Al-Azhar University International Alumni.
According to joint organisers MoRA, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), the lecture should serve to provide a better understanding on the issue of terrorism which has affected the global community, especially Muslims.
Also present at the event were other Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar arrived in Brunei Darussalam on May 5 as part of his tour of Asian countries that began a week ago in Indonesia.
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