By, Imran Ssemuddu
We honour the extraordinary legacy of Prof. Dr Saodah Wok, who served diligently in the Department of Communication at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). As a student blessed to have been under her mentorship, it is with profound sadness and deep gratitude, I reflect on her unparalleled dedication, not only to academia but also to embodying the Islamic principles of amanah (trustworthiness) and ikhlas (heartfelt sincerity) in every facet of her life. Her life lived and hard work are worth remembering.
Prof. Dr Saodah Wok, born on January 24, 1951, in Kg. Telok Melati, Pahang, was a pillar of knowledge and compassion. Earned her PhD in Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin (USA) in 1995. At IIUM, she was head of the Department of Communications, faculty Head of Research, and Deputy Dean of Postgraduate and Research. Saodah Wok was listed in Who’s Who in Asia (2007) and Who’s Who in the World (2008). After a distinguished academic and research career, she retired as a full professor of communication in 2022.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence earned her many awards, numerous research projects, and, most importantly, inspired many of her students and uplifted them with her methods.
In the classroom, Prof. Saodah was a transformative educator. She often wore her signature traditional Malay baju kurung and a jacket. Her lectures were lively, weaving complex concepts like communication theories, organisational communication, statistics, and research methods into engaging lessons that sparked curiosity. As a master’s student, I experienced her patience and encouragement firsthand, guiding us through rigorous research with kindness and clarity. Sometimes she acted as a tough mother-figure; strict about time; however, her passion for teaching reflected her amanah, a sacred trust to impart knowledge with integrity and care. Prof Saodah nurtured our confidence, fostering critical thinking that shaped us as scholars and individuals, something hundreds of her students carry on to this day. At the end of the semester, she would surprise her classes with kindness and generosity in the form of gifts, books, lunch treats, and money, among other things. She would also candidly seek forgiveness if she erred towards anyone during the semester.
Beyond academia, Prof. Saodah’s akhlaq shone brightly. Her warm smile, open door, and genuine concern for her students fostered a sense of family within the department. She remembered our names, listened to our dreams, and offered guidance that felt deeply personal. Her generosity extended to sponsoring one of my journal articles, an act of kindness I will forever cherish. Her support empowered me to contribute to the field she loved, exemplifying her selflessness and dedication to her students’ success (just a story out of many). Then there was the famous “Saodah Wok Cup”, an annual organised bowling tournament that brought together communication students at IIUM.
In her retirement, as I learned during our last conversation in March, Prof. Saodah dedicated herself to drawing closer to Allah (SWT). She immersed herself in religious teachings and activities, embodying a life of spiritual fulfilment and devotion. This inspiring chapter of her journey reflected her unwavering faith and commitment to living with purpose, serving as a powerful example for us all. Upon learning of her death, I paused for a few seconds, reflecting on the purpose of life. She found hers, and even when I asked her why she wanted to retire, she explained she still wished to contribute to us in graduate studies; she wanted to find her purpose!
Prof. Saodah’s scholarly contributions, including over 15 books, 42 book chapters, and numerous articles, stand as testaments to her intellectual rigour. Yet, her legacy is equally defined by her compassion, faith, and dedication to nurturing others. She was truly a gardener in IIUM’s “beautiful garden of knowledge and virtue,” planting seeds of wisdom, trust, and sincerity that will continue to flourish among her students, colleagues, and community.
As we mourn her passing, we celebrate her truly enduring impact. Prof. Dr Saodah Wok, thank you so much for your boundless contributions to our educational and spiritual journeys. Your lessons, generosity, and devotion will guide us always. May Allah (SWT) forgive your shortcomings, grant you Jannahtul-Firdous, and make your grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Al-Fatihah.
Imran Ssemuddu is a PhD student from Department of Communication of AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM Gombak.***
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