By Elesa Zainal and Shaheerah Dzaki
GOMBAK, 5 December 2023: Two international students from AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS) unfolded the story of their journey after receiving their scrolls in the sixth session of the 39th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on 29 November 2023, at IIUM Gombak.
In an interview with IIUM Today, Hakimah Najiha, a Singaporean, and Yasmine Adliya, an Indonesian, both graduated with a Bachelor of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage in Fiqh and Usul Al-Fiqh; they both shared the challenges they faced in completing their degrees.
Hakimah stated that she was alone in Malaysia as her siblings who were also IIUM students had already become alumni members. Fortunately, she had supportive roommates as well as family members who always gave her encouragement from home. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her journey became harder. œI was unable to go home for three years, she revealed.
Seeing herself as an introvert, Hakimah had to break barriers by consulting with other people, including her lecturers, about her studies. œDont be scared to ask for help even though we might feel like a burden to others, she advised.
œAll of the success I achieved is because of Allahs help, she added. Hakimah also noted that her success was due to her parents prayers as well.
Meanwhile, Yasmine said that she encountered numerous challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While being isolated at the Mahallah, loneliness intensified, leading to a profound yearning for family. The challenges, including being separated from family, strengthened her courage to overcome obstacles.
Yasmin also revealed that her motivation stemmed from future plans and self-love. By consistently envisioning a better future, she remained motivated to improve herself. The unwavering family support, especially her parents, served as a vital support system during times of joy and hardship.
Yasmine advised struggling students to persevere through challenges, seek their parents blessings and put their trust in Allah. ***
