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AS an Islamic university, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) is not only establishing strategic cooperation with American and Europe universities, but also with several institutions in Islamic countries, especially Saudi Arabia. Recently, it cooperates with Daurah Tadribiyyah fi as-Sirah an-Nabawiyyah (The Institution of Sirah Study) of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.
The Head of International Relations Office (BKLN) UMM Dr Abdul Haris, MA said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions was signed to keep the continuance of several partnerships established between UMM and many institutions and universities in Saudi Arabia. “This proves that UMM has strong networks with the institutions and universities in Saudi Arabia,” he said during the signing of the MoU at Senate Courtroom UMM, Sunday (9/8).
Harris continued that the MoU focused on the academic and teachings development of lecturers, students and da’i especially in promoting as-sirah an-nabawiyyah in form of training and seminar.
“Furthermore, we wish that the sirah will be studied intensively through various media in school and university or in public. Qassim University will send books related to sirah to UMM,” he explained.
According to him, this cooperation is relevant with the Islamic characteristic of UMM. It is expected that the cooperation has long-term implication for UMM students and lecturers who intend to study at Qassim University. “So, there are short-term and long-term benefits for UMM,” he said.
The representative of Qassim University, Syaikh Sulaiman bin Hamid al-Audah explained that the sirah is very meaningful for life nowadays. It teaches us the difference between what is right and what is wrong. It also helps us realize the importance of dakwah, jihad and appreciation for knowledge. Moreover, he also informed that the first phrase of al-Quran teaches us to gain knowledge by read.
“What more important than those is, the sirah teaches us to emulate akhlak of the prophets, especially the akhlak of Rasulullah. Theat is what important for our lives now,” he uttered.
Meanwhile, the Rector Assistant for International Relationships Drs. Soeparto, M.Pd said that UMM is very intense in building cooperation with other countries’ institutions. However, he added, not all of the MoU cost big expense due to cost sharing.
“Besides, we have another way by using the technology of information, for example conducting the thesis examination via Skype. That is a simple but significant thing in globally enhancing the academic atmosphere,” he said. (han/t_far)
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