‘Trust the Creator,’ says Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Best Student, Husnul Khatimah

By, Nabilah Mahadzir

Gombak, 22 November 2024: “My journey to this moment wasn’t straightforward, but Allah has placed us exactly where we are needed, even if we don’t understand the reason at first,” said Husnul Khatimah Natasha binti Tajul Arifin, a graduate and Best Student (Co-Curricular) of the Kulliyyah of Pharmacy. She was granted her degree and award at the 40th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on 20 November, at IIUM Gombak.

Reflecting upon her journey, Husnul Khatimah shared how her initial dreams took a different turn, but through faith and acceptance, she found her path in pharmacy. She believed that every twist in life is guided by a higher purpose, encouraging others to trust in Allah’s plan.

“Put your trust in the Creator, as He knows exactly where we are meant to be and what is best for us,” she said.

Husnul emphasized that education is more than acquiring knowledge—it is about becoming individuals of empathy, kindness, and integrity. She urged her fellow graduates to embody these values that they had learned at the IIUM, the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue, to create peace for the betterment of the ummah.

In her heartfelt valedictorian speech, Husnul expressed profound gratitude to her lecturers, parents, classmates, roommates, and friends for being her guiding light. She conveyed her special thanks to her mother, acknowledging her sacrifices and the motivation she provided, teaching her that faith and determination make anything possible.

She concluded her speech with a reminder to her fellow graduates, “Each of us has our own journey, filled with tests and challenges. These experiences make us stronger and teach us that great things take time to build.”

The convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of IIUM graduates, inspiring hope for their future contributions to society.***