The Maldives National University (MNU) is achieving significant academic progress and scaling new heights with great diligence, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said.
The Minister's remarks were delivered during the MNU graduation ceremony, where he addressed the new graduates on the profound purpose of education and the path ahead.
Minister Shaheem rooted his message in Islamic principles, stating that the core purpose of knowledge is to foster critical thinking. He highlighted that numerous verses in the Holy Qur'an urge humanity to ponder and reflect in the pursuit of justice.
Emphasising the sanctity of intellect in Islam, the Minister noted that protecting the human mind is one of the five highest objectives of Islamic Shari'ah, which expressly forbids anything that harms it.
Offering practical advice for the graduates' future careers, Minister Shaheem counseled diligence and patience. He advised that while the most desirable job may not be immediately available, starting from the bottom provides invaluable experience, advocating for a grounded and resilient approach to professional life.
The Minister also called upon the graduates to remain compassionate and to maintain a close, lifelong connection with their alma mater.
“Students should have a close relationship with this academic fortress... Tomorrow one of you may become President. Or Prime Minister. Or Minister. You should always work with hope,” he said, stressing the importance of this bond.
Concluding his address, Minister Shaheem encouraged the graduating class to face life's inevitable challenges with unwavering persistence and courage, underscoring that the knowledge they have acquired is the foundational tool for building a just and successful future.