Vice President Ma'ruf Encourages UIN To Become A New Qibla For World-Level Islamic Studies, Side By Side With Al-Azhar Cairo

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin delivered a speech at The 7th International Dirasat Islamiyah Conference (ANTARA/HO)

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin hopes that State Islamic Universities (UIN) in various regions of Indonesia can become a new mecca in terms of Islamic studies at the world level. In fact, UIN must co-exist with Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt.

"I hope that the State Islamic University, as a leading Islamic educational institution, can become a new mecca for Islamic studies at the world level in addition to Al-Azhar University in Cairo," Ma'ruf said during his remarks at 'The 7th International Dirasat Islamiyah Conference'. , November 3rd.

Especially in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, Ma'ruf hopes that UIN can become an educational institution that increases research related to Islamic teachings, responding to the lives of Muslims.

Basically, said the Vice President, the teachings of Islam were revealed by Allah SWT. not to complicate the adherents. With abnormal conditions, such as during the current pandemic, the implementation of worship can adjust to the situation.

"These abnormal conditions can be in the form of masyaqqah or dharurah syar'iyyah. Both are reasons for the existence of rukhsah in carrying out Islamic teachings. Thus, Islamic law has flexibility in its implementation, according to existing conditions," he said.

Islamic law, continued Ma'ruf, also ensures the realization of the goals of sharia in building benefit, both in religious matters and in world problems simultaneously.

With the concept of sharia, according to Ma'ruf, the role of fiqh is very necessary to respond to various changes in responding to the problems and challenges of the times.

On that occasion, the Vice President also appreciated the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Islamic religious organizations who contributed to the issuance of fatwas related to the adaptation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Fatwa regarding the implementation of worship; prayer guidelines for health workers; guidelines for managing corpses; utilization of zakat, infaq and alms assets for the prevention of COVID-19; as well as guidelines for Eid prayers, Friday prayers, and congregational prayers," said the vice president.