Grand Imam of the Masjid Nabawi: Religious Moderation as a Cornerstone for a Harmonious Society

Main Auditorium, UIN News Online—In a significant event held at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al-Hudzaifi, the Grand Imam of the Masjid Nabawi in Madinah, delivered a profound public lecture emphasizing the importance of religious moderation as a cornerstone for a harmonious society. The lecture took place on Thursday, (10/10/2024), in the university's Main Auditorium, attended by academic leaders and members of UIN Jakarta’s community.

Sheikh Ahmad explained that the teachings of Islam encourage a balanced and moderate approach to life, stressing that religious practice should avoid excesses. "Allah desires ease for His believers, not hardship, and has given us a balanced path to follow,” he told the audience. “The Prophet’s teachings embody this middle path, neither straying to extremes nor to indulgence."

Through the story of Abdullah bin Amr, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions who practiced intense worship to the point of exhaustion, Sheikh Ahmad illustrated the importance of balance. The Prophet Muhammad advised Abdullah to adjust his practices for the sake of his own well-being, a reminder that, as Sheikh Ahmad noted, “Every individual has rights in their life that must be fulfilled in balance. This principle brings compassion and order to all creation, as intended by Islam’s teachings."

The Grand Imam also expressed his admiration for the hospitality and kindness he experienced from the Indonesian people, particularly their warm greetings and generosity during his visit. “The kindness and smiles of Indonesians reflect their genuine hospitality and generosity,” Sheikh Ahmad said, emphasizing that he felt sincerely welcomed by every encounter.

In response to Sheikh Ahmad’s message, Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., expressed his gratitude and pride in the emotional bond shared between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Our ties are not only emotional but are strengthened through areas such as education and pilgrimage, with many Indonesians coming to Saudi Arabia for study and worship,” he said.

Prof. Asep added that these connections are felt across generations, reflecting a deep, ongoing respect between the two nations. “From young to old, Indonesians feel a genuine warmth in our relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he remarked.

On behalf of the academic community, Prof. Asep extended heartfelt thanks to Sheikh Ahmad for his visit, hoping it would bring blessings and inspiration to all involved.

The nearly two-hour lecture was attended by thousands of UIN Jakarta students, faculty members, and staff, with local media covering the impactful event. Sheikh Ahmad’s visit was also accompanied by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sheikh Faisal Bin Abdullah H. Amodi, along with other senior officials from the Saudi Embassy, reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.

(Press Release from Center for Information & Public Relations, LP2M UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)