Renowned Al-Azhar Rector Sheikh Salamah Dawud to Deliver Public Lecture at UIII Campus in Depok

Depok City, Indonesia — The academic community in Jakarta, Indonesia is abuzz with anticipation as Sheikh Prof. Dr. Salamah Dawud, the Rector of Al-Azhar University, Cairo prepares to deliver a public lecture at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) campus in Depok City. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, 19 February 2025, marks a significant moment for UIII, which has quickly established itself as a hub for Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue in Southeast Asia.  

Sheikh Salamah Dawud’s visit is more than just an academic exchange; it is a meeting of minds and traditions. Known for his expertise in Arabic rhetoric (Balaghah) and literary criticism (Naqd), Dawud brings with him a wealth of knowledge from Al-Azhar, the oldest and most revered Islamic university in the world. His lecture, titled “Fostering Dialogue and Academic Collaboration: Synergy between Al-Azhar and UIII for the Future of Islam" is expected to draw scholars, students, and religious leaders from across the region.   

“This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading figures in Islamic academia,” said Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII. “Sheikh Salamah’s work bridges the classical and the contemporary, making his insights invaluable for our students and faculty,” said Dr. Chaider S. Bamualim, UIII’s University Secretary. 

Sheikh Dawud’s journey to this moment has been one of dedication and scholarly excellence. A product of Al-Azhar’s rigorous educational system, he memorized the Quran as a child and went on to earn advanced degrees in Arabic linguistics. Over the years, he has held numerous leadership roles at Al-Azhar, including Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language at Itay Al-Barud, and has contributed to the development of curricula for international students.   

But it is not just his academic credentials that make Dawud a compelling figure. His ability to connect with diverse audiences—whether through his writings, lectures, or mentorship—has earned him respect far beyond the walls of Al-Azhar.  

“Sheikh Salamah has a unique way of making complex ideas accessible,” said Dr. Ilyas Marwal, a professor of Islamic Studies at UIII. “His lecture will undoubtedly inspire our students to think deeply about the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world.”   

The event is also seen as a testament to the growing collaboration between Al-Azhar and UIII. Since its founding, UIII has sought to position itself as a bridge between the Islamic world and the broader global community, fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures. Dawud’s visit underscores the university’s commitment to this mission.  

“Al-Azhar and UIII share a common goal: to promote knowledge, tolerance, and mutual respect,” said Anizar Masyhadi, MA from ASFA Foundation and a prominent Al-Azhar alumni from Indonesia, in a statement ahead of his visit. “We look forward to engaging with the UIII community and exploring how we can work together to address the challenges of our time.” 

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