Public possesses high enthusiasm for a public lecture by Dr. Zakir Naik on Monday (3/4) at Sportorium of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). Since 5 a.m. a throng has been queuing to enter the public lecture venue. In fact, participants’ screening process is scheduled on 6-7 a.m.

Dr. Zakir Naik himself previously gave a public lecture at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). He arrived in Yogyakarta on Sunday (2/4) at 5 p.m. by a private plane, and had welcoming dinner with UMY parties at East Pact Hotel, Yogyakarta.

On his remark, Dr. Zakir Naik appreciated all Indonesia people who are enthusiastic about listening to his lecture. “Alhamdulillah, I am delighted to be here. The people have high enthusiasm. I was in Bandung and it did not matter that some participants could not speak in English. We had an interpreter and ultimately all of the participants could understand what I stated,” he told.

“Indonesia is not a Muslim country, but it possesses the greatest population of Muslims. I am glad that Indonesian people uphold Al-Qur’an and As-sunnah, Masya Allah,” expressed Dr. Zakir Naik.

He also emphasized the significance of maintaining and enhancing coalescence among Muslims in the world. Many parties attempt to disunite Muslims. “Muslims should be as one since it will make us stronger. Do not let anti-Muslim parties disrupt us,” advised Dr. Zakir Naik, an Indian Muslim scholar.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Board of Advisor (BPH) of UMY Prof. Syamsul Anwar warmly welcomed Dr. Zakir Naik. He acquainted Yogyakarta to him through a video. It was the first visit of Dr. Zakir Naik to Yogyakarta. “Welcome to Yogyakarta, Mr. Zakir Naik. We are delighted to have you here,” declared Prof. Syamsul.

Prof. Syamsul also introduced Muhammadiyah to Dr. Zakir Naik. “Muhammadiyah has two bases, Jakarta and Yogyakarta. However, the center is in Yogyakarta. UMY is one of the Muhammadiyah-affiliated higher education institutions,” explained Prof. Syamsul.

In the welcoming dinner, Dr. Zakir Naik was accompanied by his spouse and two daughters, while UMY parties were represented by vice rectors of UMY. Dr. Zakir Naik is scheduled to give a 4.5-hour public lecture on ‘Religion as an Agent of Mercy and Peace’ on Monday (3/4) at 8 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. at Sportorium of UMY. Indeed, people can also watch live streaming of the public lecture on media.umy.ac.id.