At the kind invitation of the Board of Governors of the International Islamic University in Malaysia (IIUM), and in presence of the university staff and thousands of parents and relatives of the graduates from various countries, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy and member of the IIUM Board of Governors, chaired the 40th graduation ceremony, on Monday morning, 16 Jumada Al-Ula 1446, corresponding to 18 November 2024, at the university’s campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

H.E. Prof. Osman Bakr, President of the University, delivered a speech welcoming the parents and relatives, who are credited for the successful graduation of their children this year, reminding the graduates that IIUM expects them to be the best ambassadors to translate the values and principles they’ve learned into their real life, and asking Allah The Almighty to guide them through their new life.

H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano delivered an introductory speech praising and thanking Allah The Almighty for this blessed day on which the university is graduating its 40th batch of male and female graduates, saying: “We all know that the number 40 has a deep significance in Islam, as our beloved Prophet Muhammad was sent when he was 40 years old. This number symbolizes the attainment of a full stage of maturity, wisdom, and reflection. Congratulations to the university and the graduates on this success and success….I stand before you today with a deep sense of honor to address this gathering of our talented sons and daughters who represent hope, inspiration, dedication, and confidence in a bright future. I say to all of them, Your success is a testament to your dedication, determination, and perseverance, as well as the support of your families and teachers. The university has promoted cultural diversity and intellectual enlightenment, which the Quran affirms: “And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors. Surely in this are signs for those of ˹sound˺ knowledge.” Rum: 22. After years of hard work, patience, dedication, and perseverance, here you are. We believe that you are now ready to contribute to developing your communities and advancing the Ummah and humanity. We also believe you are ready to turn the Ummah’s enormous challenges into opportunities in sha Allah. You realize today that the Ummah needs unity, compassion, and empathy more than ever. You are surely aware that it has been more than a year since the Ummah faced an unprecedented humanitarian ordeal; innocent men, women, and children have been mercilessly killed, hospitals and places of worship have been senselessly bombed, and educational institutions have been senselessly destroyed, depriving our brothers and sisters of the basic human right to an education. May Allah alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Sudan, Lebanon, Palestine, and especially in Gaza…”

His Excellency then explained that the university was founded to become a model for contemporary higher education in which the teachings of Islam are integrated with renewable innovations, where the balance between matter and spirit is achieved, and where the doctrine of vicegerence on earth, as well as honesty, and mercy, are harmoniously integrated. He said, “You, dear graduates, agree with me that the pursuit of more knowledge and science should not stop today with your graduation. No, today should mark the beginning of your renewed lifelong commitment to continue learning, research, and thinking in an evolving world where knowledge and skills require constant updating and renewal, especially in the era of artificial intelligence, in which you must maximize the use of modern technology, acquire skills, and expand horizons in this world that has become characterized by accelerated developments and changes. You and I are fortunate to be part of the family of graduates from this prestigious university, the garden of knowledge and virtue. Eight of my children are part of this great family. Therefore, each of us has an impact to make in order to maintain the dynamism of this institution and keep it influential and superior, and we must remember and thank those who, after Allah the Almighty, are responsible for our success and graduation. They are the parents who raised you from a young age, supervised your education, and insisted that the International Islamic University be their choice for your education and upbringing. They deserve your warm applause…”

His Excellency gave the graduates a series of fatherly advice and guidance, saying: “Dear graduates, the road ahead of you will be full of opportunities and challenges. Hence, you must adhere to the value of patience, which must be your indispensable tool; as Imam Al-Ghazali once said: ‘To get what you love, you must first be patient with what you hate.’, which means that you must continue to work hard and be patient until you achieve the success you desire in the future. You must also, graduates, observe our Creator in all your actions and always thank your beloved parents by giving them charity and praying for them. Do not forget to pray for the founders of this great university, including Prof. Abdul Rauf, Prof. Abdul Hamid Abu Suleiman, Prof. Muhammad Kamal Hassan, and many dedicated professors and managers who have contributed greatly to the growth of this university, whether they are still active, retired, or deceased, may Allah the Almighty have mercy on them. On behalf of all of you, we extend our gratitude and thanks to the government and people of Malaysia for the hospitality extended to thousands of young Muslims around the globe, who today contribute significantly to the development of their countries, as well as to the dynamic and visionary Prime Minister, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, for his constant and continuous defense of justice for the oppressed, especially his standing with our brothers and sisters in Palestine. May Allah protect him and reward him with the best reward.”

His Excellency concluded his opening speech in Arabic by saying: “Dear graduates, parents, honored audience. Here you are today, celebrating this blessed day in which you reap what you have planted and achieve great success, raising the heads of your fathers and mothers and making them the happiest and happiest parents. Yes, you have made them happy. Congratulations to you for this success, in which the credit goes to the dear Creator, and then to your fathers and mothers who gave everything for this happy day, and congratulations to them for the good choice of this unique and prestigious institution in this era. You will soon leave this garden that has provided you with everything you have needed over the past years in terms of education, upbringing, discipline, guidance, reason, and advice. Now, you will leave to contribute to nation-building, human happiness, and promoting peace and security everywhere. You will leave to restore the Ummah’s glory, leadership, progress, and excellence in all areas of life. You will leave to fight injustice, tyranny, tyranny and corruption. You will leave to restore peace and smiles to the lips of the deprived, the orphans, the bereaved, and the orphaned who have been wronged by the days. You will leave it to prove to the whole world that the future of humanity is in Islam, that happiness is in Islam, that pride is in Islam, that stability is in Islam, and that Islam is in peace. You will leave with your parents’ prayers for success and success accompanying you. Remember those parents in your actions, remember those teachers in your retreats and retreats, and remember those administrators and administrators in your joys and stations. Remember everyone who has done you this favor. Be aware that you are the dream through which Allah the Almighty, the clear victory, sober empowerment, and solid victory for this nation will be realized. And be fully confident that you are the hope that will change the painful reality and the bitter circumstances that the nation is going through. We entrust you with the Al-Aqsa Mosque, occupied Palestine, and all the countries of Islam and Muslims, and we entrust you with the Islamic peoples everywhere. Do not forget this country that received you, welcomed you, and opened its doors and universities for you in various arts and sciences. May Allah bless you, take your hands, and guide you to what is good for your religion and world.”

His Excellency then announced the opening of the fourth session of the fortieth batch by saying: “After the permission of the Board of Governors, I am pleased to confer degrees on the male and female graduates whose names are mentioned in the book of the fortieth batch of IIUM. And may Allah’s grace, mercy, peace, and blessings be always with you.”