By Wan Nurnisa Atikah Wan Ahmad
People say that you are having a good time if you feel it is moving quicker than usual. That is exactly how I felt when I counted the three fortnights that have passed since I registered to further my studies here. I can never thank God enough for leading my path to where I am standing today.
As I breathe in the blessings that He showers upon me, I look around to find the wonderful view that we have and the diverse cultures from all around the world that reside here, of which, are equally beautiful.
Passing by people from all walks of life, I try to understand them, especially the international students. We all know they are very friendly and nice people but it still weird me out when they approach me as if they have known me.
A few days back, my friends and I were greeted by an international student. He asked all sorts of random questions that you would never ask a stranger like “what sports do you play?” and “are you from Bhutan?” We talked for a while before my friends and I excused ourselves to go back to our mahallah as it was getting late.
I am also grateful that we have international students from all four corners of the world and that’s the reason why we have lots of food to suit their taste (and ours as well!). You can never go hungry or get bored of the same food. No way can one eat all the food we have here during his or her stay on campus.
You crave for Arabic food? Go to Mahallah Ruqayyah’s café. They have the best shawarma stall. You want to eat ‘nasi lemak bungkus’? Kuliyyah of Economics’ café sell it for only RM1 per pack. You are out of money? Mahallah Ali’s café can help you out with their cheap price but amazingly good food. Plus, the food portions are big and they sell almost everything you can ask.
Let us stop there about the food. As much as I love the delicious treats you can get all around campus, I also fell in love with the personalities of the students here. I guess, because of the Islamic atmosphere that promotes peace and good relationships between fellow Muslims, we all are able to tolerate and respect each other.
Never once I was not touched when a sister hugged me and apologised after completing congregational prayers at the mosque, just in case she stepped on my skirt in the middle of praying. It made me realised that Islam is not only about us and God but also about other Muslims as we are, indeed, one big family.
Whenever I hear the university’s name, the warmth that I feel is like snuggling under a blanket on a cold day or eating a freshly baked cookie that just came out of the oven. And, whenever I am in campus, it feels like I am home. I feel safe. Well, I guess the comfort you can find at home is here in IIUM because I am not missing my hometown that much, except when my grandmother cooks chicken curry of course!***
Photo of IIUM Facebook