By, Nur Aswani Mohd Azhar
On March 13, 2025, the Banquet Hall at Level 5, MAR Building, IIUM, became a space of deep reflection and inspiration as the Bicara Dari Hati program unfolded. It was organized by the Disability Services Unit (DSU) in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Rector Student Development & Community Engagement (ODRSDCE) and Yayasan Nur Ispirasi , this event provided a heartfelt discussion on resilience, gratitude, and embracing life’s challenges.
The program featured three inspiring individuals—Khairil Azreen, Rashidi Abdullah, and Dinie Rashid—who shared their personal journeys. What made their stories particularly moving was the fact that all three lost their sight later in life. Their narratives were not just about overcoming adversity but also about redefining their purpose and finding new ways to contribute to society.
Moderating the discussion was Datin Fauziah Mohd Ramly, the Chairperson of Yayasan Nur Inspirasi. She opened the session by reflecting on Surah Ar-Rahman, specifically the repeated verse, “Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?” This verse served as a powerful reminder for the audience to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in their lives. She also shared a poignant anecdote, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man without legs.” This statement set the tone for the evening, urging attendees to shift their perspectives and find gratitude even in their struggles.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was when Rashidi Abdullah shared a poem dedicated to his late mother. He recalled the immense love and care she gave him when he first lost sight at the age of 15. Struggling to accept his new reality, he admitted to going through a rebellious phase, feeling anger and frustration over what had happened to him. “Saya melepaskan nikmat paling besar, iaitu nikmat kasih sayang seorang ibu,” he confessed. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone of the irreplaceable love of a mother and the importance of cherishing it while it lasts.
As the program concluded, it left a lasting impact on everyone present. The message was clear: life is unpredictable, but with faith, resilience, and gratitude, one can navigate through even the most difficult circumstances. “Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”—this recurring verse from Surah Ar-Rahman echoed throughout the event, urging everyone to reflect on the countless blessings they often overlook. “Bicara Dari Hati” was more than just a talk—it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, a reminder to cherish every blessing, and a call to acknowledge the divine mercy that surrounds us, even in moments of hardship.
As the closing remarks, Deputy Rector of Student Development & Community Engagement, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin, expressed his gratitude to Yayasan Nur Inspirasi for its invaluable sharing session. His acknowledgment underscored the importance of such discussions in fostering awareness and empathy within the community.***
