39th IIUM Convocation: ‘Your impact stands far beyond the classroom,’ says Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Hussien

By Nur Najia Nazri

GOMBAK, 29 November 2023: “Your impact stands far beyond the classroom,” said a member of the IIUM Board of Governors, Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Hussien Abd Kadir in the seventh session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony, on Tuesday (28 November) that took place at IIUM Gombak.

The session witnessed the conferment of degrees on graduands from the departments under the purview of the Human Sciences division of AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS) and graduands from the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED).

In his opening remarks, Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Hussien mentioned that the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony was celebrating not just the passage of time, but the culmination of four decades of academic excellence and spiritual enlightenment at the IIUM, an esteemed institution.

As the IIUM reaches a new threshold in light of its 40th Anniversary, Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Hussien asked everyone to reflect on the profound impact of education on the world and Muslim lives globally. 

The graduands of history, politics, psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication, and languages in the session, are now equipped to bridge gaps and foster harmony within a diverse society.

As for architecture graduands, he highlighted that they were entrusted with the duty of moulding the world around them. “You are the sculptors of the world we live in, influencers of hearts and guardians of the Islamic legacy,” he said to them.

The graduands were also advised that the knowledge they acquired is not just a collection of facts and theories but also a sacred trust. Therefore, they must reflect ethics in their actions, be the voice of the weak, and be conscious of those who have influence.

Honourable Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed also stated that the commencement marked the beginning of a new chapter hence he wished that the graduands’ paths will be filled with strength in faith and resilience with the knowledge they had acquired. 

He also reminded everyone of the four notable attributes: Khalifah, Amanah, Iqra’, and Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin that have been embedded by the IIUM hence it is our duty to constantly think, read, and analyse issues that will help us to bring betterment towards the ummah.  

Lastly, he took the opportunity to remind everyone to be good to their parents by quoting a Hadith reported by Aisha (peace be upon her), The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family.” ***