Lowokwaru, MC – The State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim (Maliki) Malang awarded the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa to the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Egypt, Prof. Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Thayyib, MA, Ph.D, Wednesday (24/2). This honorary title is the fourth award given to figures who have played a major role in human life.
Previously, UIN Maliki Malang has awarded the same honorary title to Islamic figures, H. Salahuddin Wahid or commonly called Gus Solah, former Governor of South Sulawesi, Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, and former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Surya Dharma Ali. The awarding of the title is a source of pride for UIN Maliki Malang and also for the country of Indonesia in general.
At least that is what was conveyed by the Rector of UIN Maliki Malang, Prof. Dr. Mudjia Rahardjo. According to him, this honorary title is appropriate and deserved to be received by Sheikh Al-Azhar even though he had initially refused to be given the title. "Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad Al-Thayyib is one of the Islamic figures who played a major role in teaching Islam which rahmatan lil 'alamin" he explained, Wednesday (24/2).
An Honorary Degree is a bachelor's degree awarded by a qualified college or university to a person, without the person needing to follow and graduate from the appropriate education to obtain the bachelor's degree. An Honorary Degree can be awarded when a person has been considered to have rendered outstanding services and/or work to science and humanity.
By conferring this honorary title on the Sheikh of Al-Azhar from Egypt, in addition to further strengthening UIN Malang as a university that will Go international, while further strengthening the relationship between the two countries, especially in the Islamic world. (say/yon)
