By Nurin Najmina Zaidi
GOMBAK, 11 December 2022: Prof. Dr. Solehah Yaacob from the Department of Arabic Language and Literature received the Hadiah Karya Ilmiah award from the Ministry of Education on 2 December 2022.
The award is given to writers of high standard Malay scientific books in the field of science and technology.
Her book entitled œRevolusi Bahasa dan Asas Tamadun: Huraian Lengkap Secara Analitis dan Kritis was her first Malay book publication that consisted of six chapters about the world before Christ and the origin of humans from the Arabian Peninsula.
In an interview with IIUMToday, she shared that the idea of writing this book came from a script that she wrote for Al-Jazeera, that she wanted make readable for everyone.
Her passion for reading and seeking knowledge is what sparked her to write a book which made her receive the award.
She mentioned that her husband’s constant support and points of view also contributed to her writing.
She was grateful but also surprised after finding out that she was one of only a few that has received this kind of award.
Nevertheless, even with all the benefits that she received from the award, she believed that giving knowledge is the most important.
“Giving knowledge is not a loss, in fact, it gave me rizq, not in a monetary form but a rizq where everyone will receive knowledge from reading my books,” she said.
Prof. Dr. Solehah hoped that her books can encourage the next generation to read and write with knowledge as it will not go to waste.
She said that this kind of award should be given more frequently as academic books are rare in Malaysia and agreed that it can encourage scholars to write more.
“If academic books are published more frequently, it can educate people to seek knowledge,” she stressed.
For the full interview and also for readers who are interested in Prof. Dr. Solehahs content may visit her account on Tik Tok.***