By Mohammad Saifullah
GOMBAK, 23 March 2018 – The four-day training programme, “Intensive Integration of Knowledge Retreat for IIIT-IIUM Scholarship Recipients”, was organised by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) with one basic aim in mind – to produce future leaders from around the world.
The Director and Regional Representative (IIIT East and SEA), Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil Osman, who was also former Deputy Rector of IIUM, said that the retreat session held in Kalumpang resort from 19 until 22 March, was intended to train students to become future leaders in their respective country.
He added that the IIIT was giving opportunities to the students from various countries to become prominent scholars.
There was also a session with Deputy Rector (Internationalisation & Industry and Community Relations), Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz Berghout, who delivered a talk on ‘Qur’anic Worldview and Cultural Reform’. He said that IIIT was providing opportunities for students from various countries because they see the future and potentials in the students.
“Without adab, love, sacrifice and without serving the ummah we cannot achieve our goal. We want people out there to see the ‘real you’ when you graduate later. No corruption, no cheating, trustworthy, intelligent, smart, these are indicators of success of Islamisation of knowledge,” Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz said.
“We are giving our students physical, intellectual and spiritual training through swimming, jungle tracking, intellectual discussions, and tazkirah after prayers, to gain that kind of experiences that would benefit them after they go back to their country,” he added.
Dato’ Wira Dr. Jamil said, “We have many students who are now contributing to their countries as prime minister, minister, vice president or member of Shariah board after receiving education from IIUM. ”
Fatimah Altalib, a South Africa student, who is studying in the Department of Quran and Sunnah, shared her views:” Alhamdulillah, thanks to the organisers, contributors and all, I have learned a lot through these days.”
“Throughout the four days of the retreat there were group bindings and outdoor activities such as swimming, jungle tracking, and solat jamaah and tazkirah lecture presentation by prominent scholars on different issues,” Fatimah stressed.
In his concluding remarks, Dato’ Wira Jamil said, “Your time is different from our time, we had no such opportunity like what you have now. Alhamdulillah, I thank all of you for your cooperation to make this programme a success.” ***