By Maryam Iman Binti Norhashimi
GOMBAK, 15 August 2022: œThey plan and Allah plans, but Allah is the best planner, a student representative from the Kulliyyah of Science, Muhammad Fadhli Bin Mohd Azri quoted a verse from Surah Al-Imran verse 54 in his valedictorian speech during the third session of IIUM’s 37th Convocation Ceremony on Sunday (14 August).
All he ever wanted in his life was to pursue a PhD, but due to the worsening case of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of the year in 2021, he was forced to live alone in his house, mentally pressured by the hassle from his workplace along with the inability to go out.
At the same time, he was worried about finishing his PhD when he had not even begun the journey. At last, the universitys long-awaited offer letter came to him “ but he declined the offer.
œI was this close to pursuing my dream, but Allah has a better plan for me, I was such a disappointment to them (his parents),” he said to the audience.
However, his parents told him to chin up, face the challenges, and accept the hikmah with the promise of something good will happen by His will.
Indeed, a dua from a mother is the most powerful dua that no one could ever make. Muhammad Fadhli is more blessed than ever now with a new journey of having a secured job and a beloved and supportive wife on his side who is also graduating with him today.
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However, Muhammad Fadhli’s dedication and hard work paid off with the award he bagged today as he committed to focusing on his postgraduate journey to repay the old mistakes he had made.
He also advised the audience in the hall to hold on to the sayings of Imam Al-Shafie, œWhoever cannot bear the fatigue of learning, then bear the fatigue of ignorance”.
Muhammad Fadhli also expressed his gratitude for being given the chance to pursue his study at a university symbolising the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue.***