An Nisaa - I am Woman

To some, it may just be a piece of paper. Only but a small achievement, just a basic degree. But for the two of us, it was a momentous occasion. So syukur I was able to share the moment with you. It is a big step towards your adult life and only the beginning of your career and future.

School and learning definitely doesn't end here. The Universe is your classroom now. Even if you continue your studies for further qualifications, the factors and elements will be very different now. 

If ever you get the opportunity and decide to further your studies, always remember your main intention in doing so is not for the status or respect, not to be more intelligent or qualified, and not for the wealth or money. Never expect these; they don't come from your qualifications.

Learn and educate yourself with the intention to fulfil the compulsory obligation to The Almighty, The All Knowing. True knowledge will lead you to true success, and true success is being blessed with the faith and ability to be humble and subservient to Him. The bounties will come as He decrees, as He deems fit; and you have to accept whatever He does.  

I want to recapture a few things YB Tan Sri Arshad Ayub said during his speech at the ceremony. They are very basic principles but very pertinent nevertheless and worth remembering and holding on to.

1. Take risks. Be outwardly and courageous. *I see a lot of me in you. You dare to be different. I love that in you. But use it very wisely.*

2. Don't ever be complacent, it's your worse enemy. *You mentioned that you will strive to be better everyday. Don't make empty promises to yourself or anyone else. Hold that promise in your heart and fulfil it. If you try and cannot make a 20% improvement, make a 2% improvement. It is still progress.*


3. Be proficient in English. *Don't be satisfied with your proficiency now. Improve and hone it by reading, reading, more reading and practising. Trust Sid and learn to write well too. You are living with one of the best writers around. One who loves, and is also good at teaching too.*

4. Learn a third language. You will be competing with thousands of other graduates and you need to have an edge over them. *Sound familiar? Work on it now.*

This last one is from me...don't ever, ever forget your daily solat, reading the Quran and hadith, understanding the contents and living and abiding by them. You will not go wrong in whatever you decide to do and remain strong.  

I am so delighted that you love children, and especially  compassionate towards special and underprivileged ones.  Always try to make time for them Darling; you will be endowed  with a sense of fulfilment so rich  no possession or any other experience can provide the same. My ultimate dream is for you to be my partner  not only on paper but my associate in the practice.  If I'm not around long enough to see the Islamic hospital,  I hope you would take over everything I've worked for  and materialise that dream.

Below is something written by an anonymous person, which I want to share with you. These words were a great comfort to me when I went against the odds and made a big decision to switch to Islamic medicine six years ago. I hope they will inspire you too.