KBRN, Jakarta: Scholars from Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, are visiting Indonesia during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan this March. Indonesian Islamic scholar, Adi Hidayat, introduced ten of them during a Ramadan welcoming event in Jakarta, Thursday (27/2/2025).

One of the scholars, Sheikh Ahmad Thabak, expressed his admiration for the Indonesian people, comparing them to the companions of Prophet Muhammad, as described in a hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Masoud.

"When I first came to Indonesia in 2009, spending two months in Jakarta and Sumatra, I was reminded of Abdullah ibn Masoud’s words about the Prophet’s companions," he recalled, as translated by Hidayat.

Ahmad praised Indonesians for their noble character, drawing parallels between them and the Prophet’s companions, whom he described as the best generation, people with pure hearts, deep knowledge, and a beautiful way of life.

"When I see the people of Indonesia, they remind me of them (the Prophet’s companions) in their good manners, humility, and kindness. I am grateful to Almighty God for allowing me to return this Ramadan and reunite with these beloved people," he said.

Meanwhile, Adi Hidayat shared that the scholars will travel to various cities across Indonesia to participate in Ramadan activities, including the inauguration of a mosque.

"One of the sheikhs will stay for a month in Yogyakarta, where there will also be an educational program for aspiring preachers and scholars," he explained.