39th IIUM Convocation: ‘Be a virtuous servant, lead others to goodness,’ says Best Student Hafizah

By Jasmin Jafrizul

GOMBAK, 29 November 2023: A realisation for graduands that the graduation is merely the beginning of life and that our purpose in the world extends to being more than a righteous servant, it is about being a virtuous servant that leads other people towards goodness; a starting point for the future, was raised to audiences. 

This advice was mentioned by Hafizah Mohd Rusli, the Best Student (Academic) award winner who completed her Bachelor of Islamic Revealed Knowledge & Heritage (Honours) in Quran and Sunnah Studies from AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS). She received her scroll and award in the sixth session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony at IIUM Gombak, yesterday (28 November).

She reminisced her time studying during the global pandemic, “Thinking back on how we managed to keep supporting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, I feel very grateful, and when things started to come back to normal, we only had a year and a half left before we completed our degrees.”

She also touched on the idea of khalifa. “The university plays a vital role in not only advancing Islamic education but also in inspiring and nurturing khalifahs towards the noble goal of Rahmatan lil Alamin,” she added

She further quoted a Hadith during her speech, by Abi Daud “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The compassionate one has mercy on those who are merciful. If you show mercy to those who are on earth, He who is in heaven will show mercy to you.”

Contributing to society is important and a way of showing compassion and mercy to others for Hafizah. “I recollect the memories of being an active committee member in PERKIM and ISRAK, where we would often conduct programmes to contribute to society. I believe that those efforts can cultivate an outstanding khalifah, which can promote Rahmatan lil Alamin to the world,” she added.

She touched on the IIUM’s 40th birthday this year, “We cannot afford to let 40 years of the IIUM legacy pass without leaving a significant impact on society

On behalf of all graduates, she conveyed their gratitude to their supportive family members and lecturers and conveyed, “the feeling to be on stage is beyond words.” Hafizah also thanked her group of friends, namely Kampung People Buddies, Sisters 555, members of PERKIM CFS and PERKIM Degree, Committee from last tenure of ISRAK and her friends for supporting her on her beautiful journey at the IIUM.***

Jasmin Jafrizul