Syeikh Al-Azhar expresses gratitude for International Tokoh Maal Hijrah award

Sheikh Ahmad, through Al-Azhar University's official Facebook page, expressed his appreciation especially to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for bestowing the award.

He said the award reflected Malaysia's recognition and high regard for the Al-Azhar University.

He added that he would be visiting Malaysia soon at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

"The Tokoh Maal Hijrah Award for the year 2020 is a special recognition to me as it is an award from a model Islamic state which is a pioneer in promoting development and fostering harmony," he wrote in Arabic.

"In fact, the award is in recognition of the Al-Azhar institution, its scholars and students. I offer my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister and the people of Malaysia," he said.

Sheikh Ahmad said the close relationship between Al-Azhar University and Malaysia, which had long been established had seen collaborations in various fields including religious, cultural and scholarly affairs.

At the National Level Maal Hijrah celebration, themed 'Ummah Rabbani Negara Harmoni' yesterday, the ceremony saw Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah announced as this year's national level Maal Hijrah Personality.

The announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

According to Zulkifli the two public figures were selected based on their outstanding contributions in upholding Islam at the national and international levels.