PUTRAJAYA: The concept of moderation or al-wasatiyyah adopted by the Al-Azhar University has been successful in facing challenges brought about by extreme thinking and violence, says the Prime Minister.

       Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the concept was in line with the teachings of the Al-Quran to create a society that was open and tolerant, particularly in Malaysia whose society was diverse.

       The Prime Minister noted the university had successfully trained moderate thinking religious scholars who helped counter extremism and fanaticism worldwide.

       "This practice of moderation is also in line with the Malaysian Family concept that is inclusive and transcends religious, racial and ethnic borders," he said at the World Al-Azhar Asy-Syarif celebration on Wednesday (April 6), to commemorate the university’s 1,082 years of establishment.

       Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt is the world’s second-oldest degree-granting university and was renowned as the most prestigious university for Islamic learning.

       Ismail Sabri said the university has had a great influence on the establishment of today’s institutions of learning around the world including in Malaysia.

       "Muslims in Malaysia should make good use of the university’s excellence from having great teachers to a strong curriculum and its wasatiyyah concept to create a knowledgeable and great generation," he said.

       The Prime Minister said the anniversary celebration was to honour the university’s contributions to education and Islamic thought.

       He pointed out that Malay students had been travelling to Cairo, particularly to Al-Azhar University to seek knowledge for a long time.

       According to records, the first Malay student enrolled in the university was Syeikh Wan Ahmad Wan Muhammad Zain Al-Fathani in the early 1870s.

       "I am made to understand that there are currently about 7,000 Malaysians studying at the university, which is the largest number of international students," he said.