THE MAJLIS RESTU ILMU FOR MISDEV'13

MISDEV'13 students with ISDEV lecturers and support staff.

On 31 December 2014, 40 MISDEV’13 (ISDEV Master Mixed-Mode) students who will complete their Master of Social Science (Islamic Development Management) in February 2015 were honoured in a simple yet meaningful ceremony called “Majlis Restu Ilmu” (Knowledge Blessing Ceremony). The event which lasted for three hours started at 10.00 am was attended by ISDEV Director Professor Muhammad Syukri Salleh, ISDEV Deputy Director Dr. Zakaria Bahari as well as other ISDEV lecturers such as Dr. Fadzila Azni Ahmad, Dr. Mohd. Shukri Hanapi, Dr. Mohd. Syakir Mohd. Rosdi, Dr. Shahir Akram Hassan and Dr. Wan Norhaniza Wan Hasan.

A poetry recital on "Sahabat"  by Fadhliana (left) and Fazleen (right) of MISDEV'14.

The event took place at the University Conference Hall, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and was divided into three sessions. The first session was the opening remarks from the representative of MISDEV’14 who was the Master of Ceremony of the day. A simple video specially dedicated for MISDEV’13 was also aired to the audience followed by a poetry recital of two MISDEV’14 students.

The second session continued and this time, Afifah, as a representative of MISDEV'13 took over the entire slot. Besides inviting other MISDEV’13 students to give a short speech about the lecturers cum their supervisors, the prize presentation ceremony for lecturers and support staff were also not forgotten. 'Indoor games' were also included in this slot where all the attendees were quite amused with the actions that prompted MISDEV'13 to spontaneously comment about their fellow course mates and lecturers. Various perceptions and reactions could be seen from this session.

Afifah (left) led MISDEV'13 students to seek blessings of the knowledge gained from the lecturers.

The next session continued which was a culmination of the day, namely 'Sesi Merestui Ilmu’ (Knowledge Blessing Session). Prof. Syukri was invited to give a speech as well as fatherly advice before the other lecturers were also invited to express their words.

Prof. Syukri giving his fatherly advice to the students of MISDEV'13.

In his speech, Prof Syukri said that the main objective of the ceremony was to formally permit all the knowledge shared with the students to be practised, used and disseminated to the wider society. In addition, he stressed three main things to the audience and especially to MISDEV’13 students:-

1.  Do not let the status of one's level of education to be the cause for misunderstanding and              differences of opinions that lead to discord among fellow human beings;
2. Go out to strive for Islam without destroying Islam and our beloved country; and
3.  Do not be afraid to "help" Allah SWT for He will help those who fear Him.

MISDEV'13 male students hugging ISDEV lecturers to say their thanks and their sorrys personally.

An intense emotionally filled moment - MISDEV'13 students gathered to listen to the advice and reminders
from ISDEV lecturers 

Once all the parting words and advice had been given, a "Symbolic Gesture" time then followed. The students came to each lecturer, shook hands, asked for forgiveness, blessings and permission to practice, utilize and disseminate the knowledge they had received from the lecturers. It was indeed an emotional-filled morning, but on the face of each student was a glimpse of glowing contentment - a happiness that contains hundreds of fond memories. The ceremony ended with a group photo session and a simple lunch.