2021 is a milestone year, marking SOASCIS’ tenth anniversary since its establishment. Much effort, dedication, and sacrifice has been exerted over the years by past and present members of the Centre to grow the academic and intellectual capabilities of our students. To all those who came before us, I thank you all and may Allah reward you appropriate to what you truly deserve, and more. Yet, despite SOASCIS’ many past achievements, masha Allah, I somehow do not think this undoubtedly important milestone is a time for self-congratulation, but rather this tenth anniversary, I believe, is a moment for self-reflection.

The burden SOASCIS carries by being affiliated with the sacred name of ‘Islam’ – the Centre for Islamic Studies – is great; it is a responsibility demanding equally profound honesty, integrity, and sincerity. SOASCIS is responsible to honour the revered name of the late Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien. Modern-day academics and scholarly endeavours must not stray us from this heavy trust, or amānah, to ensure that our quest for knowledge is first and foremost an act of worship, or ‘ibādah, so that whatever knowledge we gain will become a light in our hearts, guiding us to do good, and be positive contributors to the betterment of all humanity.

May Allah guide us all to what pleases Him.