Yogyakarta — Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Mustaqim, S.Ag., M.Ag., a Professor of Ulumul Qur’an (Quranic Sciences) within the Master’s Program in Quranic Studies (Exegesis) at the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, participated in a "Visiting Professor" program—encompassing both teaching and collaborative research—at Ez-Zitouna University in Tunis, Tunisia, between September and October. This initiative is part of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs' broader effort to foster the internationalization of Islamic higher education institutions by developing academic partnerships with universities abroad.

The Visiting Professor program spanned approximately three weeks. During his time in Tunisia, Prof. Abdul Mustaqim engaged in a range of academic activities, including teaching, scholarly discussions, the development of collaborative research, and the exploration of potential partnerships between UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta and Ez-Zitouna University.

A primary focus of these activities was the advancement of Tafsir Maqāṣidī—an approach to Quranic exegesis that emphasizes understanding the underlying objectives (maqāṣid), values, and public benefits (maṣlaḥah) embedded within the Quranic message. This approach is highly relevant to the evolution of Quranic and Tafsir studies, particularly in addressing contemporary issues that demand a profound, contextual reading of the text—one oriented toward the universal values ​​of the Quran.

In addition to his teaching duties, Prof. Abdul Mustaqim met with the leadership of Ez-Zitouna University to discuss the implementation of the Visiting Professor program and opportunities to strengthen academic ties between the two institutions. The meeting served as a forum for exchanging ideas on the development of maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (the objectives of Islamic law) theory, the dynamics of Islamic thought, and various global issues that can be examined through the lens of Islamic scholarship. The academic dialogue between the two institutions is expected to bridge the Indonesian Islamic scholarly tradition with the intellectual heritage of Tunisian Islam. Ez-Zitouna University holds a significant position in the history of Islamic education in North Africa; thus, this academic interaction creates an opportunity to enrich perspectives within the fields of Quranic studies, tafsir (exegesis), and Islamic thought.

For the Master’s Program in Quranic Studies and Tafsir at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the participation of Prof. Abdul Mustaqim in this international program serves as part of an effort to expand scholarly networks and enhance academic contributions to Quranic studies and tafsir on a global scale. The exchange of teaching experiences, methodological discussions, and the development of cross-national research are expected to positively influence curriculum development, research initiatives, and scholarly publications.

This program also underscores the importance of international collaboration in the advancement of tafsir studies. Global issues concerning humanity, justice, peace, and social change require contributions from Islamic thought—thought that is firmly rooted in scholarly tradition while remaining capable of engaging with the developments of the modern era.

Through this "Visiting Professor" engagement, it is hoped that Prof. Abdul Mustaqim will be able to broaden the exchange of ideas and foster sustainable research collaboration between UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Ez-Zitouna University. Such cooperation is also expected to create opportunities for faculty members and students to engage in international academic activities, including joint research, academic exchanges, and scholarly publications.

The entire community of the Master’s Program in Quranic Studies and Tafsir at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta extends its congratulations and best wishes to Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Mustaqim, S.Ag., M.Ag., on his participation in this program. May this endeavor proceed successfully and contribute to the advancement of Quranic and tafsir scholarship, the strengthening of international cooperation, and the enhancement of UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s academic reputation on the global stage.