By Aneesah Ishak
GOMBAK, 25 November 2019: Graduates have been advised to inculcate and manifest the trace of benevolence, empathy, compassion and patience, and not be supplanted by the reliance of technology and gadgets even though the use of it is to make life and environment more comfortable.
The call was made by Deputy Chairman of the IIUM Board of Governors, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Gazali Abas, during his speech in the fourth session of the 35th Convocation of IIUM yesterday (24 November).
Stressing how digital technology has become one of the challenges in today’s society, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Gazali said, “We are obligated by the creator to restore the primary spirit of humanity over technology-centred human interaction.”
In his speech, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Gazali said that digital technology gives many impacts and effects in everyday life. He added that technology could also change many things including society’s morals.
“In other words, the essence of Islam, that is Rahmatan Lil Alamin, has to be the guiding principle of our individual lives, not only for the sake of technology, but for all humankind.”
The university, he also said, has to be prepared for its disruptive nature of digital technology or the Internet of Things (IOT) as it is the medium for people and society around the world to work, play and live.
Dato’ Dr. Mohd Gazali further cited cases of self-imposed social isolation, transmission of information without verification, and character assassination through media trials, that depict the human morals and behaviours which are not exactly in line with the principle to love fellow humankind.
He called on the graduands to go out and implement what they have acquired in the classroom and show the positive values of Islam to correct the misconceptions. ***