The Muslim World League (MWL) and the Council of Indonesian Ulama (MUI) have signed a cooperation deal to exchange visits, publications and organize regular meetings, lectures, and events in both countries.
The deal is also aimed to organize qualification courses for Indonesian imams and preachers, and facilitate enrollment of Indonesian students in Saudi universities, according to Saudi Press Agency.
Head of MUI Maruf Amin said there were more than 60 Islamic societies in Indonesia working under the umbrella of MUI, which coordinates their Islamic preaching and call activities.
He said the fatwas (religious rulings) issued by the MUI are the key reference for all decisions related to Shariah issues due to the absence of a grand mufti in Indonesia.
MWL Secretary General Abdullah bin Abdulmuhsin Al-Turki stressed the importance of strong relations between Ulama (the highest Muslim scholars) all over the world. He said the challenges facing Muslims at present are colossal and serious which put heavy burdens on the shoulders of the Ulama. They are required to make more efforts to give advice and show the proper path.
The MUI was established to facilitate interactions between the secular Indonesian state and the majority Muslim community, encourage the involvement of religious authorities in national development, and enable interfaith cooperation. The council also issues religious rulings on a variety of topics, ranging from public policies to popular culture.
MWL, MUI sign cooperation deal
