ISLAMIC AWARENESS

BY NURSYAHIRAH SAIFUL

It has been almost 5 years since I have been in this university and I do realize now that I have gained a lot of inspiring Islamic information from the lectures I have attended to. I have learned many things here and those are things like; the sense of humanity, your relationship with the only one Creator, to have an absolute faith in the existence of Allah and the Day of Judgment, what you should do, what should you forbid as a Muslim and many more. Truth is, I gradually push, force myself to be a good Muslim because I am so aware that this life is just temporary and death may come upon you at any moment. No one knows when they are going to meet their Creator, and because I wish to be a better Muslima, I feel the necessity to improve myself (self-improvement) slowly starting from this moment, now on. This makes me feel special as I am surrounded by Allah’s mercy. On top of that, I feel the obligation to keep on researching more about Islam so that again, I can feel and get close to Allah S.W.T. Other than that, I often greet Muslim brothers or sisters with Salam instead of saying Hi like I used to say before, (due to the UIA environment where most people greet each other by giving Salam and subsequently I also get affected and thus, apply it in daily lives when meeting people). I become so used to utter Alhamdulillah at most times (also because of the awareness I have gotten from the surrounding), I become so sensitive about people, I can get pity towards anyone very easily, and without any hesitation I always feel the necessity to help others who are in need. I learn to be moderate in all dimensions of my life as well. Nevertheless, I know that I am not a perfect Muslim woman just yet, but I am sure that as time passes by, I am going to make sure everything is done in accordance to what is prescribed in the QURAN and SUNNAH, the main guidance, the way of life for mankind in leading a proper, God-pleasing life.

“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass.”  (31:19)

Abu Hurairah  narrated that When this verse was revealed, "Whoever does evil will be required for it" (4:123), and when this was conveyed to the Muslims they were greatly perturbed. Thereupon Allâh's Messenger r said: “Be moderate and stand firm in trouble that falls to the lot of a Muslim (as that) is an expiation for him; even stumbling on the path or the pricking of a thorn (are an expiation for him).”   (Muslim 6243)

BY AKMYR SYAHAR AZWAR

Years in IIUM have taught me uncountable lessons about the reality of life. In my opinion, IIUM is somehow different from other universities as it holds the hope of Muslim everywhere around the world. After all, IIUM was one of a kind with a very general name of IIU. I myself once said that I’ll never enter UIA because I have absolute zero knowledge about Arabic. Being a student from a normal secondary school, not even a religious school, IIUM is not the first university to come up to my mind. I would even joke about entering IIUM. And yet here I am, preparing an assignment for my last semester. Only when I’m enrolled here I learn that English is used both as its medium of instruction and the language of its administration. Also, there is a lot of focus on the Islamic civilization and the Muslim Ummah in terms of syllabus in courses offered. It blends harmoniously modern and professional disciplines with traditional values and moral virtues. It’s a wonderful experience in the sense that it give me lots of memories, from good and bad, from friendship to relationship and also from nobody to somebody. I really enjoy my day life as IIUM student.

BY SHARIFAH SHAKINAH

IIUM has given me a new perspective in life. Not only I learned a lot here, I also grow as a person. To be in such a beautiful environment where every step i take here is a step closer in knowing my Creator. IIUM is filled with religious talk and 'tazkirah' where I could feed my sinful soul. Boys and girls are not allowed to mingle freely without boundaries. Hence, IIUM environement make us girls feel safe, which is something I love.

              Here, I learned that every one is indeed under Allah's mercy and help. Sometimes, when I feel that life gets too overwhelming, I remembered how lucky I am to be here. Not many students had the chance to experience what I've experienced being an IIUM students. Here, every lesson is filled with Islamic perspective which allowes me to learn about Islam deeper and use it in my life. I've learned that the act of gaining knowledge is not only for this world, but to gain barakah in the here after. Studying here in IIUM push me to be a sincere student, where the knowledge I seek is not for the sake of grade only.

            I love seeing people from different country come together and be friends with one another. IIUM had given me the chance to know people from all around the world and broaden my horizon. I've also managed to get the chance in joining charity club here in IIUM and now I've became more grateful as there are many unfortunate people out there that needed our help. Hence, all the knowledge that I'd gained here will be one day be used in helping others InsyaAllah. I'm so grateful that Allah has made me the chosen one to be one of IIUM student. This is a responsibility that I'll not take lightly and will try to fulfill as much as I'm able to do so.


By Amiza 'Izzati Zulkefley

The end of my journey in IIUM is almost here, as this course (among others) walks me through to the graduation day. I have to admit that the things I have gone through since Day 1 until today, have taught me many things on life in general.

I learned that the challenges are mere tests from Allah s.w.t. to strengthen myself for the days to come. I also learned that people come and go-- specifically negative people-- while family, friends and God have my back all the time. I explored many things, from foreign foods to staying up all night finishing assignments. I ventured into things that I have never dreamed doing, and I do not regret a second of it.

In all honesty, I committed mistakes that I am not proud of. But through these things I discovered true friends, lessons that worth a lifetime and beautiful things about my Deen. I am grateful to Allah s.w.t. for the experiences and obstacles that He had put me through, and also for the Strength He had given and the people around me He had blessed me with. After all those things, I am always eager to learn and improve myself for the better; for Islam always encourages Muslims to strive for greatness until the last breath.

I will not forget everything IIUM has taught me, and will use the knowledge it had given me the opportunity to gain, in the next chapters in my life. I will continue to improve myself as a better Muslim and a better human for as long as it takes, for as long as Allah s.w.t. grants me the chance to.