Sejahtera Academic Framework (SAF)

32 31 On the 24th January 2019 representatives from the Office of Knowledge for Change and Advancement (KCA), the Office of Communication, Advocacy and Promotion (OCAP) accompanied by Dr. Nadzrah Ahmad from Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) made a short trip to Institute Latihan Islam Malaysia (ILIM) in Bangi, Selangor to meet one of the most popular and influential figures in IIUM, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan. Upon our arrival, we were ushered to a meeting room to wait for his arrival. We were a bit apprehensive about the kind of reception that we would be getting. With butterflies in our stomachs, we quietly ask questions to ourselves; how shouldwe greet him?What shouldwe say first? And how would he react to our questions? All our concerns disappear as soon as we heard Professor Kamal’s a gentle voice giving salam as he entered the room. After exchanging pleasantries and a short ta’aruf we began our discussion, which revolved around his years in IIUM, how he spends his time now, and finally the history as well as the relevance of the IIUM song. Professor Kamal spoke fondly of his days in IIUM, his plans and achievement and the people who worked for and with him. He also spoke highly of IIUM ideals, vision and mission. We believe that, to his mind these features of IIUM reflect the identity of IIUM just as the wearing of songkok and tudung during IIUM convocation. In terms of his present activity, we were quietly surprised when he mentioned that he has just started his attachment to ILIM which is on voluntary basis. While many figures at his age feel contented resting at home, true to the spirit of sharing and seeking knowledge, Professor Kamal still finds time to share his knowledge and wisdomwith others at no costs. Professor Kamal’s tone of voice changed to a more one serious one as we started talking about the conception, composition and more importantly the selection as well as the meaning of words and phrases in the lyrics of IIUM song. We felt that he took the task of coming up with IIUM song very seriously. The song, to him, should not be sung merely as part of a ceremony. Although he agreed that the IIUM song should be identified as “IIUM anthem”, he believes that the meaning of the song should be understood and internalized by all because the song is loaded with messages. At the very least, it can unite IIUM community, wherever and whoever they are now. Our discussion with Professor Kamal progressed amicably and interspersed with reminder and laughter. His comments, advices and suggestions were well-elaborated and he even invited us to exchange ideas with him, quite like a father talking to his children. Throughout our discussion with Professor Kamal, we sense that his love and concern for IIUM has never changed or diminished. We feel that all he wants is for IIUM to live up to its expectations and to succeed in providing education for the ummah. As for the immediate future of IIUM, he agrees with the initiatives of the present Rector’s office and with the right support from IIUM community, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak might just be the right person to lead IIUM into the future. The discussion ended with Dr. Zulkefli Muhammed Yusof from KCA handing over a basket of fruits to Professor Kamal as a token of appreciation. A small gift for someone who has given so much to IIUM. A CONVERSATIONWITHOUR MURABBI PROFESSOR EMERITUS TAN SRI DR. MOHD KAMAL HASSAN Report by: Zainurin Abdul Rahman The IIUM Song entitled Leading the Way was composed by the late Johan Nawawi back in 2007. One of its primary objectives is to strengthen the emotional bond among IIUM community. It is rather emotional instead of intellectual because the melody appeals to the heart, not to the intellect. The song highlights the ideals of IIUM which includes its vision, mission and principles. It also aims to foster the ukhuwwah Islāmiyyah among Muslimbrothers and sisters. Froman aesthetic viewpoint, the song has its own uniqueness. It starts with the melody of chirping birds, which put the listener into the state of calmness. Its overall melody is also a mix between contemporary and traditional Malay melody. The main themes of the song are described below: Leading the way The song starts off with the implied objective of a khalīfah, to lead humankind to the right path of God. Today, the zeitgeist of humanism of our modern world has however, granted everybody the right to lead humankind to his or her path. As far as Islam is concerned, from the perspective of a Muslim, the right path is one, which is al- ṣ irā ṭ al-mustaqīm . The right path aims to steer those who willingly tread it back to God, not leading humankind away from God. Enlightening the future The philosophy of nihilism and absurdism today has painted the world pessimistically dark and bleak. A large deal of its philosophy owes its emergence to the strand of post- modernism. Post-modernism has decreed the principle of deification of reason and the rejection of revelation as its essential drive. It also brought the crises of existence, which as has been professed by Protagoras, due to the role of homo mensura i.e. that man is the measure of all things. It is only by following the right path that we can enlighten the future and develop optimism. Sharing the wisdom The Qur’ān has called upon humankind to follow the right path by submitting themselves to the Divine will. It is by following the revelation that we may attain wisdom, for revelation is also ḥikmah from Allah SWT. The Qur’ān also urges Muslims to spread the spirit of Islam with “ ḥikmah and good advice.” Internalising the spirit of Islam The quintessential spirit of Islam is tawḥīd that is the divine uncompromising oneness of God. The element of tawḥīd is the fundamental basis for an Islamic worldview, and that it must be let permeated through the whole system. LEADING THEWAY: THE PHILOSOPHY OF IIUM SONG Introduction By: Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kamal Hassan and Dr. Nadzrah Ahmad