By Puteri Balkish
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 October 2016 – A number of influential figures and distinguished speakers from different backgrounds shared their experiences when they sat down together in Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) recently (24 September) in conjunction with 1st World Muslim Women Summit & Exhibition 2016 (WISE 2016) to discuss important issues prevalent in society today.
The itinerary consisted of three different sessions, namely #justsaying, #tilljannah and YOUTH (young, outstanding, unique, tender, healthy.)
The day began with the recitation of du’a by the emcee to commemorate the beginning of the sessions.
Then, it continued with the first panel discussion which was #justsaying and this session included Mizz Nina, the famously known singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and fashion designer, Fynn Jamal, a well-known singer, writer and now educator, and Najihah Sakeena, an experienced Syariah lawyer who is also a teacher of the Quran.
The main focus was on cyber bullying on the Internet. During this session, they highlighted society’s behaviour on social media in reference to their judgemental ways and holier-than-thou mentality. Like how Mizz Nina was quoted, “It’s not about preaching the heart, it’s about reaching the heart.”
They mentioned that doing dakwah by saying the most beautiful things is the path to touching people’s hearts. Negativity, they said, is like salt water and humans are in a big ship. So, blocking people is actually better than letting them harm us physically and mentally. The best resolution is to pray for them. “Even Rasulullah SAW himself, was a victim of bullying but those companions who wanted to murder him ended up being the closest to him.”
The following slot covered a discussion regarding the #tilljannah hashtag since it’s frequently used on the net. The panel discussion was joined by Mizz Nina once again, Dr. Tengku Naufal Tengku Mansor, an ex-graduate of IIUM, counsellor, advocate and solicitor who spoke of woman empowerment and their importance in the society. Also in the line-up was Prof. Dr. Rahmah Ahmad H. Osman, the Dean of KIRKHS of IIUM and Liyana Hisham as the mediator.
Circling around the hashtag, they came up with two understandings which firstly is literal, “lasting till the heaven without parting, which is clearly superficial and the other one is being there for each other till heaven opens its doors”.
Now this is the wider scope of things. “Jannah is a reward to a bigger goal,” said Prof. Dr. Rahmah Ahmad H. Osman and “we, as humble beings of the Creator, only live in this Dunya to serve Him”. Unfortunately, #tilljannah was and is still misused for haram relationships as this involves non-mahrams.
The emphasis on creating awareness towards the youth was deemed as of utmost importance especially regarding temporary life and family values and also to appreciate and comprehend the sanctity of marriage. As to loving or being with another person, if it strays the person away from the Creator then it should be put away. Nonetheless, this hashtag is to be completely understood and not end up being a misused propaganda.
The final session was regarding YOUTH (young, outstanding, unique, tender and healthy) that included Ustaz Fazrol Ismail, a motivational speaker, Fynn Jamal and Diana Amir, who are influential Muslimah speakers, and Shabana Md. Hassan as the mediator.
The prime focus is utilising the youth’s potential and capabilities. The panel highlighted the importance of understanding Islam through Quran and Sunnah.
Some stories were also shared with the audience to make them understand how crucial this part of life is. Mentioned in the hadith of Rasulullah SAW, those who search for Allah SWT during the youth would receive the shade.
The youth is such a vital timeframe to mould and shape a person, especially in building their faith towards Allah SWT.
The crowd adjourned at 5 p.m that evening.***