By Syafiah Sakirin
GOMBAK, 14 August 2022: In recognising significant contributions to society among distinguished community leaders, Yang Amat Dihormati Tan Sri Paduka Raja Dato’ Haji Wan Ahmad Mahmood bin Pa’wan Teh was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Community Transformation and Islamic Da’wah.
The conferment of the award was presented by Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj in the first session of the 37th International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) convocation ceremony held in the IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC) in IIUM Gombak on Saturday (13 August).
In 2002, Tan Sri was appointed as Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Gombak by His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor. He has made significant contributions to intellectual, social, and educational development in various communities and educational institutions.
In his speech, Tan Sri conveyed his deep appreciation for the award, which he claimed would inspire his life ahead.
“I feel proud to see the district of Gombak being a hub of educational activities for many young men and women from all over the world. I am particularly thankful to AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS) for constantly engaging me in the efforts to meet and address the psychological, social, and religious issues faced by the Gombak Islamic community,” he said.
He emphasized that the current method of Islamic education needed to be improved in alignment with Islamic practices applicable in one’s daily life instead of merely emphasizing rhetorical religious input lacking in true Islamic substance.
“I believe that strategic initiatives should be formulated to improve the ways to reach Islam and educate our Muslim community and transform mosques into Muslim development centers instead of just places of worship,” he added.
The honorary doctorate recipient accorded his sincere appreciation and congratulations to IIUM researchers in their projects that initiate efforts in engaging various parties and in addressing community issues.***