Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), JAKARTA, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed hope that Indonesia can be in the vanguard of the restoration of the glory of Islamic civilization.
Speaking at a function to commemorate "Isra Mi`raj- 1431-H" (one of Almighty God`s commandments to the Prophet Muhammad) on Friday evening, the President said Indonesia as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world should be able to contribute to the restoration of the glory of Islamic civilization such as existed in the 14th century.
"Other Muslim countries in the world also hope our country will become a leader in the development of Islamic civilazation in the 21st century," the president said.
Yudhoyono said the Islamic civilazation is actually part of the pinnacle of human civilazation that can walk hand in hand peacefully with other peoples` civilizations.
"We should play an active role and act to contribute to the development of the Islamic world. In addition, Indonesian Muslims as well as their fellow Muslims in other countries should actively contribute to the development of science and world civilization," he said.
The head of state said further that Islamic teaching also carry values and behavior-oriented culture, having creative and innovative out-looks which later can spawn an advanced and knowledgeable society.
"We should inherit the noble values and culture of Islamic civilization," the president said.
In the meantime, the rector of the Islamic higher learning institute "Universitas Islam Negeri Malik Maulana Ibrahim Malang", Imam Suprayogo, in his speech at the function stressed the importance of integrating science and religious teachings in a bid to build smart human beings with strong personalities.
According to him, the integration of science and religious teachings was the only way to eradicate the diseases of corruption, collusion and nepotism.
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