KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged all parties to uphold the tradition of knowledge and "aqliyah" (intellectual), which have been revived by Al-Azhar University.
He said that adherence to this tradition, among other things, would inspire Muslims, including those in Southeast Asia.
"Our modern Islamic history is inseparable from the history of change and reform brought about by Al-Azhar scholars, including Muhammad Rashid Rida, Muhammad Abduh, and Sheikh Mahmud Shaltut.
"This is in line with the entire struggle of the Muslim community in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia," he said in a video message that was released in conjunction with the International Day of Al-Azhar celebration and a breaking of fast ceremony today.
Present were the Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates Malaysia (WOAG Malaysia) president Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Fakhrudin Abdul Mukti and Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr.
Also present were Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Dr Luqman Abdullah, Johor Mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad and Universiti Malaya Academy of Islamic Studies Dean Professor Dr Mohd Fauzi Hamat.
On the International Day of Al-Azhar celebration, Anwar said a close relationship with the university was a great gift enjoyed by Malaysia.
"I am grateful to Al-Azhar Grand Imam Professor Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al-Tayyeb for his warm reception and for accepting the invitation to come to Malaysia.
"I believe we will utilise this not only to gather with Al-Azhar alumni, but also plan programmes that can benefit the Muslim community in Malaysia as a whole.
"I believe the Al-Azhar alumni will play an important role in organising and planning programmes that will benefit the people and the entire Muslim community," he said.
