The Centre for Islamic Theology (CIT) of the Vrije Universiteit and the renowned al-Azhar University in Cairo are entering into a unique collaboration. There will be scholarships for Dutch students of Islam and more exchange of expertise.
Invited by the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Prof. Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib, Yaser Ellethy, Rector-Director of the Centre for Islamic Theology (CIT), has signed an agreement with al-Azhar University in Cairo, the largest Islamic theological institution in the world (founded in 972).
Under the agreement, a number of fully funded scholarships will be awarded to students and alumni of various CIT programs to pursue study and training programs at the renowned al-Azhar University. In addition, the agreement covers various aspects of research cooperation and exchange of expertise between CIT, al-Azhar University and the Islamic Research Academy.
"A milestone," said al-Tayyib, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, during an official ceremony for the signing of the agreement at the headquarters of Sheikh Al-Azhar (Mashyakha) in Cairo. He expressed his appreciation for the Islamic Studies at the VU and the contribution of the CIT in training Muslim theologians, intellectuals and religious leaders. "The CIT is an important partner for increasing the social relevance of Islamic Studies in the Dutch-European context." It is the first time that al-Azhar, the world's largest Islamic theological institute, has a partnership at this level with an institution outside the Islamic world.
'Very important recognition'
"It was a process of years, and we are very proud that it resulted in this success", says Ellethy. "This is a very important recognition of our profile and contribution at national and international level. The collaboration means more in depth study, training, professionalization and research facilities for students, alumni and PhD candidates. It also increases our recruitment power for new students. We are looking forward to the exchange of knowledge and expertise with al-Azhar. With these scholarships, our students, alumni and PhD candidates can follow courses in Cairo. We will soon provide information to those who qualify and tell them more about the content and admission requirements."
The scholarships offer the opportunity to Bachelor, Master, Ambtsopleiding students and PhD candidates of the CIT to follow various (tailormade) programs at al-Azhar for a period determined per case. The offered study hours are extracurricular and are not part of the number of ECs that the CIT offers in the bachelor, master or Ambtsopleiding programs. Al-Azhar issues a certificate for each student according to the followed program. The scholarships cover all fields of Islamic theology, at both teaching and research level, plus special training programs for Muslim religious leaders and imams.