By Aida Najwa
GOMBAK, 16 August 2022: All of us have a unique mosaic of trials and tribulations that we have to overcome to be here today, Syed Ahmed Khabir bin Abdul Rahman from Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL) mentioned in his graduation speech in the fifth session of the 37th IIUM Convocation Ceremony yesterday (15 August).
œToday is much more than just a graduation day. Remember the very robe that we wear today is not just an academic costume. It is the product of four years of rigorous preparation and hard work. It imprints IIUM onto us.
Syed Ahmed shared in his speech the struggles they had gone through, which highlighted the unprecedented resilience of the graduates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the lack of social interaction that contributed to the feelings of loneliness, isolation, and even depression.
œDespite all the sleepless nights and tiring online classes, exam anxiety, and losing our final year due to a virus, we managed to persevere and survive. Congratulations graduates! he praised.
In his inspiring valedictorian speech, he reminisced the memories of IIUM culture, such as the practice of calling fellow friends ˜brother and ˜sister, listening to the recitation of Asmaul Husna at 8 am, and the digital war of pre-registration which brought upon them a sense of belongingness.
œIts not just about Islamic values. That is how we subconsciously call IIUM our home “ the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue, he explained.
In addition, he also added that the intention of seeking knowledge is to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT because the ultimate evaluation is not from the people around us but Allah SWT.
Representing the graduands, Syed Ahmed expressed his utmost gratitude to their murabbi, lecturers, and faculty for their efforts in paving the way for students to succeed with the devotion of families and parents for their support and sacrifices.
Reminding his fellow graduands of what they have achieved, he wished they would become people who will build communities, break down barriers, love and care for others, grateful, and stay humble in their new journey ahead.
œIt marks a promise, commitment, and undertaking a lifelong war to serve, protect, and to be the absolute best you can be for the ummah, for the rest of your life.***