Study Orientation Seminar at Al-Azhar Cairo: Initial Provisions for NU Kaplongan High School Students to Enter the World’s Dream Campus

darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, 21 April 2026 | 08.00 WIB

Efforts to encourage students to continue their studies abroad continue to be carried out by NU Kaplongan High School. One of them is through the Lecture Orientation Seminar at Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt, which was attended by male and female students in grades X,

This activity was opened directly by the Principal of NU Kaplongan High School, Ade Reza Muhammad, who emphasized the importance of early preparation for students who wish to continue their studies in the Middle East, especially at Al-Azhar University, Cairo-Egypt.

Not just an ordinary seminar, this activity is a space for cultivating a vision – that studying abroad, especially at Al-Azhar University, is part of an effort to maintain scientific knowledge while preparing future generations of ulama. Seminar activities took place in the KH Hall. Idham Chalid 20.00 to 22.00 WIB on Wednesday, (15/04/2026)

Setting Intentions, Strengthening Direction

The activity began with tausiyah and motivation from the Principal of NU Kaplongan High School, Ust. Ade Reza Muhammad, Lc.. With a warm but firm delivery style, he invited the students to straighten out their intentions in studying.

He told the story of his intellectual journey while in Egypt – about how hard the learning process was, how strict the discipline was, and even the importance of etiquette in interacting with the community.

“Studying at Al-Azhar is not just looking for a degree. It is a journey to keep knowledge intact, so that it is not uprooted,” he said.

He emphasized that mental readiness, patience and perseverance in mastering Arabic are the main foundations for anyone who wants to succeed in the land of the ulama.

From Discourse to Reality: Road Map to Al-Azhar

Entering the main session, material was delivered by Ust. Muhammad Zidni Ilmi, Lc., an Egyptian alumnus who now serves as headman at KUA (Religious Affairs Office) Setiabudi, Jakarta.

With a straightforward and realistic approach, he explained the road map to Al-Azhar. Starting from the official selection route, study patterns in Cairo, to the dynamics of Indonesian student life in that country.

He emphasized that the biggest challenge is not in the departure process, but in the ability to survive and develop after arriving there.

“Al-Azhar is a field of knowledge, but also a field of trials. Those who survive are those who are ready in terms of knowledge, mentality and character,” he explained.

He also reminded the importance of building a tradition of reading books from an early age, strengthening the basics of nahwu-sharaf, and getting used to the independent learning pattern that is the hallmark of education at Al-Azhar.

The presentation of the material was then enriched by two other presenters, namely Ust. Mahdi Al Muntazor, Lc. and Ust. Rusli Apriansyah, Lc. which also provides additional perspectives regarding the experience of studying in Egypt, the challenges of adaptation, and the importance of consistency in maintaining enthusiasm for learning in an international environment.

Both emphasized that the success of studying at Al-Azhar is largely determined by readiness from school, especially in mastering the basics of tool science such as nahwu and sharaf, as well as getting used to reading turots books.

Ignite Hope, Sow Civilization

This seminar not only provides information, but also ignites hope. On the faces of the students, new enthusiasm appeared—that the path to Al-Azhar was not impossible.

For SMA NU Kaplongan, this activity is part of a long effort to build a generation of students who are not only academically ready, but also spiritually mature and firmly rooted in Islamic scientific traditions.

In the midst of an ever-changing world, Islamic boarding schools exist as guardians of direction. And from simple spaces like this seminar, great ideals began to be woven: to produce scholars, intellectuals and guardians of civilization who would later bring the light of knowledge to the people.

The reason is why Egypt and Al-Azhar are favorite destinations

Not without reason, this land of prophets and scholars has long been known as the center of Islamic scientific civilization. In fact, since centuries ago, Egypt has been a magnet for students of science from various parts of the world, including Indonesia.

FirstLand of the Prophets and Great Scholars

Egypt is not just an ordinary country. This is a land that witnessed the journey of prophets such as Moses and Joseph. Apart from that, many great scholars were born and raised in this country. This long scientific tradition is what makes Egypt have a very strong academic atmosphere, especially in the field of Islam.

SecondCity of Knowledge and Traces of Imam Syafi’i

Cairo is known as the city of knowledge. In this city there is also the maqam of Imam Syafi’i, one of the largest sects of imams in Islam. It is not surprising that many great sheikhs and scholars teach in various mosques, making religious knowledge widespread and alive in society.

ThirdA Blend of History and Modern Civilization

Egypt offers a unique combination of history and modernity. On the one hand, we can see the majesty of the Giza Pyramids as a symbol of ancient civilization. On the other hand, the development of modern cities such as Sharm El Sheikh and the Siwa Desert region shows that Egypt remains relevant in the modern era.

FourthStrategic Position of World Trade Routes

Geographically, Egypt has a strategic position connecting the African and European continents. Since ancient times, this region has been an important trade route that brought together various cultures and civilizations, as well as enriching its scientific treasures.

FifthAs the World’s Oldest and Best Campus

It is no exaggeration if Al-Azhar University is called one of the oldest and best Islamic campuses in the world. Founded more than a thousand years ago, Al-Azhar has produced many influential scholars and intellectuals in various parts of the world.

In fact, many of the main reference books in Islamic scholarship come from the Al-Azhar academic tradition. This is what makes this campus a mecca for global Islamic knowledge.

SixthAffordable Fees and Many Scholarships

One of Al-Azhar’s big advantages is that its education costs are relatively free, especially for international students. Apart from that, many institutions offer scholarship programs for students, including from Indonesia.

This is certainly a great opportunity for students who want to continue their studies abroad without being burdened by high costs.

SeventhWorld Students’ Favorite Faculty

At Al-Azhar there are several faculties that are favorites of Indonesian and international students, including:

• Sharia Faculty
• Ushuluddin Faculty
• Faculty of Arabic Language (Arabic Language)
• Faculty of Islamic Studies (Islamiyah)

These four faculties are known to have superior educational quality and a strong curriculum in forming in-depth Islamic knowledge.

EighthThree Official Routes to Enter Al-Azhar

For prospective students from Indonesia, there are three official routes to enter Al-Azhar:

1. Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) pathway
2. Tathwir Markaz Route
3. Route of the Egyptian Embassy in Indonesia

Each pathway has a different selection mechanism, but all provide the same opportunity to achieve a world-class education.

For the Islamic boarding school guardians, this decision is a strategic step to prepare a generation that is not only intellectually intelligent, but also strong in Islamic values.

Because in the end the world can change quickly, but knowledge that is grounded and deeply rooted will always be the light that guides people.

Hope it is useful.