39th IIUM Convocation: Entire hall applauds Palestinian graduand

By Muammar Hadi Marzuki

GOMBAK, 27 November 2023: œThe applause made me feel like I was surrounded by really kind and supportive people, said a Palestinian graduate from the Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT), Mutaz S. M. Harara. 

Mutaz received his Bachelors of Information Technology degree in the third session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony at IIUM Gombak, yesterday (26 November 2023).

“I feel like a fish out of water,” he said, and added that he feels as such because hes in Malaysia feeling safe and peaceful while his mother, sister and other family members are suffering and in danger back in Palestine, he said in an interview with IIUM Today,   

He expressed that although it is difficult, he still tried to get his strength from his family and explained, œEvery time I hear my mothers, brothers and sisters voices, I feel like Im stronger after that.Â 

He shared how his family would always ask him about his situation here in Malaysia to which he would respond, “You guys are the ones struggling there and I am the one that needs to ask you about your situation.” 

œMy family always asks me to stay strong and to not give up,” he said, because he is here for a greater purpose, which is to be educated and to re-educate his people back in Palestine. 

He added that his family and his faith is his source of strength in completing his studies because as Muslims we know we will be tested and we need to be patient and thankful to Allah in whatever situation.

He mentioned how he will try his best to be strong enough to complete his education in Malaysia and said, œI will go back to Palestine and give back to my people.” 

For Mutaz, the IIUM has a good community and environment for students to come and learn in and even sees it as his second home. 

œMy lecturers and I are still in contact with each other (even after completing his studies) and they still want to hear about my family and want to hear from me, he shared. 

He mentioned how he felt happy and relaxed now that he is surrounded by his friends after completing his Bachelors degree and wishes to pursue a Master’s degree next. 

In his final remark, he advised students to be close to Allah and equip themselves with skills because if you have skills, you can survive anywhere and said, œAlways occupy your time and go out there and learn new skills œ. ***