TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Grand Imam of Nabawi Mosque, Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al-Hudhaify, landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday evening, October 7, 2024, for his state visit to Indonesia.
Several officials of Saudi Arabia’s Embassy for Indonesia welcomed the Grand Imam, as well as the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Ulema Council, the Indonesian Da’wah Council, UIN Indonesia, the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board, and the Darunnajah University.
The Medina imam was seen conversing with the representatives of several Islamic agencies in Indonesia upon his arrival at the airport’s VVIP Terminal at around 10:34 p.m. Jakarta Time.
Sheikh Ahmad expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and extended his love for Indonesian Muslims.
The Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Kamaruddin Amin, said that the Nabawi Mosque Imam’s visit is intended to strengthen the relations between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
“So this is a form of close friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, as well as an emotional connection as the Imam of the Nabawi Mosque,” he said.
As previously scheduled, Sheikh Ahmad will meet with Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and Religious Minister Yaqut Cholil Qumas at the State Palace today, October 8.
After, the Nabawi Mosque Imam will meet with the Indonesian Ulema Council, Indonesian Islamic organizations, and several Islamic boarding schools or pesantren.
“God willing, Pak Vice President Ma’ruf Amin will meet him, and we are still awaiting the confirmation,” he said.
Sheikh Ahmad also plans to lead the Friday prayer at Istiqlal Mosque on October 11.
“Hopefully, his visit brings merits and blessings for Indonesia,” he concluded, referring to the Nabawi Mosque, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam Sheikh Ahmad.
ANTARA | PETIR GARDA B
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