by Dr Norita Md Norwawi , Director of Islamic Science Institute, USIM
All praise to Allah for His mercy and guidance. October 2016 marked the beginning of a journey of no return with the appointment as the Director, Islamic Science Institute at the University Science Islam Malaysia (USIM). Realizing my handicap and shortcomings, we organized courtesy visits in 2017 to other institutes including RZS-CASIS which marked a significant turning point in my life. Inspired by the RZS-CASIS scholars and students who portray seriousness and profound commitment to relive the tradition of knowledge in Islam with admirable discipline, wisdom and professionalism.
In the year 2018, we invited the much esteemed, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zainy Uthman twice. The first one was on Batu Bersurat Terengganu which made me realised that Islam has settled in the Malay Archipelago even earlier than the opening of Constantinople by Sultan Muhammad Al-Fateh which is in the year 1453. Astronomy then was very accurate even proven by current modern technology. Next, I attended an Islamic Science Lecture by Prof. Zainy Uthman again titled Islamic Worldview and Science which was another eye-opener on the importance of language, using the appropriate term that will do justice to our understanding of knowledge and Islam.
Alhamdulilah, more opportunities cross my path . Words that sound very strange and scary to my ear before such as ‘epistemology’, ‘ontology’ and ‘axiology’ now strike a chord in my heart. The confusion and misunderstanding on the knowledge due to my ignorance on Islamic worldview on the true understanding of Islam as al-Dīn, the true meaning of knowledge, success, happiness in Islam, the purpose of our existence has been straightened out bit by bit, little by little. Many personal questions on so many things were answered from the Saturday Night Lectures by Honourable Prof. Dr. Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud, book discussions with much respected Associate Prof. Dr Wan Suhaimi Wan Abdullah, Ustaz Syed Muhiyuddin Syed Al-Attas (CASIS senior student) and Training for Trainers workshop on Science and Islam organized by the Islamic Science Institute with the cooperation of RZS -CASIS, and the memorable, dream of my life the Special Lecture by the Honourable Tan Sri Professor Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas.
This new perspective on so many things on Islam that has been taken for granted previously about life, death, the Hereafter even the Creator itself gives the light of hopes and heighten my trust in the revealed knowledge, the prophetic tradition and our scholars. As though this new ‘heart and brain’ has driven me to attend the Islamic Worldview seminar organized online by INSISTS, Indonesia and later, a decision not to be regretted the 18 weeks weekend online classes on Siri Wacana Pandangan Alam Islam (WISE 2020).
InsyaAllah, my hope and constant prayer that with the ears, eyes, heart and brain fixed, slowly absorbing the truth and guidance, Allah will keep me always on His right path on my journey of returning to Him. My sincere thanks and gratitude to my dear friends Associate Prof. Dr. Noor Najihan Jaafar, Dr. Nurul Asiah Fasehah Muhammad, Prof. Datin Dr Sapora Sipon who consistently keeps me engaged in lively and inspiring discussions, lectures, intellectual discourse, willingly shares the blessing from their academic attachment and much gain experience and knowledge at RZS-CASIS.
To the RZS -CASIS scholars, their acquaintances and students, no words can express my feelings on the wisdom that has been shared except for Alhamdulilah for His mercy on all the golden opportunities given to know Him better and, think and live better as a Muslim Insyā’ Allah. Jazākumullah khayr al-jazā’, Bārakallahu fikum, May Allah keep them in His best care, mercy and blessings. May Allah gather us All with the beloved prophet, al-anbiya, siddiqeen, as-syuhada and as-soliheen.
اَللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِمَشَايِخِنَا وَلِمَنْ عَلَّمَنَا وَارْحَمْهُمْ، وَأَكْرِمْهُمْ بِرِضْوَانِكَ الْعَظِيْمِ، فِي مَقْعَد الصِّدْقِ عِنْدَكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ
Amīn Ya Rabb al-‘Ālamīn.
Prof. Dr. Norita Md Norwawi
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Al-faqir ilallah
