Ma’ruf Amin Encourages Focused Cooperation on Ulama Cadreship

Viralterkini.id, Depok – Even though he no longer serves as Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Ma’ruf Amin received a friendly visit from the Syrian Minister of Endowments HE Moh. Abo Al-Kheir Chukri accompanied by the Mufti of Damascus, Abdul Fattah Al-Bizem, Damascus scholar Sheikh Mohamad Dib Rajab, and the Syrian Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulmonem Annan at his residence in Cimanggis, Depok.

“Grateful to be able to make friends with national figures and great scholars, Prof. Dr. KH. Ma’ruf Amin. We discussed at length about the very good relations between Syria and Indonesia,” said Moh. Abo Al-Kheir Chukri.

“Indonesia and Syria are brothers. There are many similarities. It is important to strengthen each other,” said KH. Ma’ruf Amin.

For almost two hours we had a warm conversation about the very strong bilateral relations between Syria and Indonesia, resulting in good cooperation, especially in the fields of religion and education. Many Indonesian students study in Damascus.

The Syrian Minister of Endowments expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome of Prof. Dr. KH. Ma’ruf Amin and appreciated Indonesia as the largest Muslim country that has succeeded in maintaining peace, diversity and unity of the people.

“Syria is now entering a rebuilding phase after a long conflict situation. The Syrian government and clerics are opening up space for collaboration with various countries, including Indonesia, to develop Islamic education, scientific research and strengthen the people’s economy,” said Moh. Abo Al-Kheir Chukri.

“Indonesia is known for its morals. Syria is known for its depth of knowledge. If morals and knowledge meet, the Islamic world will benefit greatly,” he continued.

Apart from that, there were also many similarities between Syria and Indonesia that were discussed. Regarding the faith, they both follow Imam Abu Aasan Al-Asy’ari and Abu Manshur Al-Maturidi. Syria has Imam Nawawi Ad-Dimasqi or known as Imam Nawawi Al-Kabir. Indonesia has Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani Al-Jawi known as Imam Nawawi Ash-Shogir.

“I personally admire the scholarship of the cleric from Damascus, Syria, namely Sheikh Ramadhan Al-Buthi and read and study a lot of his books,” said KH. Ma’ruf Amin.

According to KH. Ma’ruf Amin is very important for ta’awun (good collaboration) between Muslim countries in the development of education, sharia science and humanity. Especially between Indonesia and Syria. The synergy between Indonesia and Syria in the fields of religious education, Arabic language, and cadre formation of ulama will have a broad impact. Not only for the two countries but also for the Islamic world globally.

“I hope that cooperation between Syria and Indonesia will continue to be strengthened. Especially in producing future cleric cadres (mufaqihina fiddin),” KH. Ma’ruf Amin added. (ma)