HIS Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), yesterday officiated the university’s 4th ‘Hafl Al-Takharruj’ (convocation festival).

A number of religious, academic and informative programmes and activities have been planned for the convocation festival, which runs until November 1, 2014 under the theme ‘Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah Generates Visionary Ummah’.

The Rector of UNISSA, Dr Hj Norarfan bin Hj Zainal, in his welcoming remark, said that His Royal Highness’ presence is a source of inspiration for UNISSA to support His Majesty’s Government in uplifting the image of UNISSA as an Islamic university that is progressive and dynamic.

He said the convocation festival’s theme is timely and significant for the university in supporting His Majesty’s Government in realising the country’s Vision 2035 to produce educated and highly-skillful people who uphold Islamic values.

The survival of the Ummah depends on the strength of their ties with Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah. The vision of a Zikir Nation to be progressive, competitive and pious could only be achieved by making the Holy book and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) a guide in facing challenges in life.

The Ummah are obliged to follow the teachings of Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah in all aspects of their lives to revive the glory of Islam.

His Royal Highness later delivered a Sabda to officiate the convocation festival as well as launched 10 books and journals published by UNISSA.

The launching of the new books and journals aims to motivate the academicians to participate actively in research and writing.

His Royal Highness also toured an exhibition which aims to showcase the Al-Quran and Al-Hadith manuscripts. - Borneo Bulletin (14 September 2014)