USIM Honours Al-Azhar Grand Imam With Doctorate In Islamic Studies

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) has conferred an honourary doctorate in Quranic and Sunnah Studies upon His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Crown Prince of Negeri Sembilan, presented the award in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, USIM President Professor Mohamed Ridza Wahidin, and various ministers, scholars, professors, researchers, and students.

Dr. Al-Tayeb expressed his pride in being in Malaysia, a nation he described as a model of urban and economic development. He praised USIM as a haven for scholars and a beacon of education where academic discussions thrive. He highlighted that speaking at USIM made him feel deep gratitude towards Malaysians for their pioneering role in establishing methodological and intellectual foundations in Islamic studies.

The Grand Imam emphasised that Malaysia's approach to Islamic studies focuses on instilling ethics through the discipline of both mind and spirit. This vision has significantly protected Malaysia from ideologies opposing Islamic moderation. He noted that this moderation has been a hallmark since Malaysia embraced Islam, enriching Islamic civilisation and building a resilient cultural model throughout history.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Al-Tayeb expressed deep appreciation for USIM's generous initiative. He stated, "As I stand here among you to receive the honour of an honourary doctorate, I express my deep appreciation for this generous initiative from USIM for two reasons. First, this academic title is related to the study of the noble revelation, the Quran and the purified Sunnah, which are the most esteemed and noble of studies; second, this honour is not limited to my humble self but is a recognition of the esteemed institution of Al-Azhar, its scholars, students, and graduates, and its academic history that spans over a millennium, during which it welcomed countless students from around the world, especially from your esteemed country, Malaysia, which has the lion's share of international students at Al-Azhar."

Tunku Ali Redhauddin highlighted the profound relationship between Al-Azhar and Malaysia during his speech. He expressed pride in presenting the honourary doctorate to Dr. Al-Tayeb and joy over the strong ties between USIM and Al-Azhar University.

Praise from Malaysian Leadership

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded Dr. Al-Tayeb as a renewer and educator of this Ummah. He was impressed by Dr. Al-Tayeb's speech on Islamic moderation and personally draws guidance from his words on many issues. The Prime Minister praised Dr. Al-Tayeb's efforts in promoting unity within the Ummah and spreading values such as dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among Muslims and others.

The Prime Minister urged Malaysians to emulate Dr. Al-Tayeb's stances that establish respect and human understanding values.

This event underscores the significant relationship between Malaysia and Al-Azhar University while recognising Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb's contributions to Islamic scholarship.

With inputs from WAM