Speech by Chief Executive of MUIS, Mr Kadir Maideen at Youth aLIVE Graduation (Session 1 – AM)

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

ILHAM Executive Director, Ustaz Muhammad Hafiz Bin Abdul Rashid,

ILHAM Management Committee Members and staff,

District Superintendent of Mosques and Mosque representatives,

Asatizah, Parents, and Guardians, and most importantly, our Graduands,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. A very warm welcome to all. It is a privilege to be here with you at this year’s Youth aLIVE Graduation ceremony. Today is a day of pride, joy and reflection. We celebrate our graduates. We honour our teachers. We thank our parents who had recognised the commitment to learning, and at the same time, we thank our mosque leaders who had shaped this learning journey together with the students.

2. This year’s theme, “Legacies of Light”. Allah says in Surah An-Nur, verse 35: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” Just as His light guides creation, knowledge and faith guide our lives. It reminds the students that the light you carry, and knowledge gained through the aLIVE journey is not only for yourself. It is a trust. An Amanah. It is to be shared with others. In fact, just before this event today, I was speaking to some of the graduates and asked them how they are going to share the knowledge that they have learned through the aLIVE programme, one of them is going through the National Service, another going through polytechnic studies. I encouraged them to also share with their peers – to enrol in the programme. If the aLIVE programme is not suitable, then they may consider the ADIL programme as these opportunities are very beneficial.

3. So, graduates, you are the next generation. Carry this light in your choices. In your friendships. In your service to the community. We would like you to be Muslims who will inspire with faith, compassion, and confidence.

4. Through aLIVE, you have shown that learning is more than memorising. It is living your faith in meaningful ways. Your contributions towards the aLIVE Service Learning initiative, “CARE-nival: Compass of Kindness”, showed this beautifully. You served communities in need. You showed empathy, leadership, and teamwork. This is the spirit of rahmah and khidmah we hope you will carry forward in your lives.

5. Let me share one inspiring story this morning. Chairil Luqman, a Youth 2 student from aLIVE centre at Al-Iman Mosque. At 19, Luqman has shown resilience, discipline and compassion. Despite living with high-functioning autism, he excelled. And speaking to him just now, we can sense how articulate he is in sharing his worldview on Islam and others. He reads widely. He reflects deeply. He contributes meaningfully.

6. With his Ustaz and family’s support, Luqman turned challenges into strengths. He hopes to use his knowledge to educate and inspire others, a true example of what it means to live with purpose and ihsan. Luqman, we are very proud of you. I look forward towards receiving you on stage. Your journey is a light for others.  We pray that Allah continues to bless you with strength and success.

7. Behind every success story stands a community. To our mosque partners, I thank you. Your leadership has made the aLIVE programme a cornerstone of youth development.

8. Every year, we award outstanding mosques for their performance and contributions. This year, Al-Muttaqin Mosque stood out for its strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders. They work closely with the ILHAM team to engage parents, the mosque helped to create a nurturing ecosystem where learning thrives.

9. A particularly noteworthy initiative was their strategic partnership with ILHAM for the aLIVE Service Learning event. Al-Muttaqin Mosque secured funds to defray costs for the CARE-nival, benefiting over 300 clients and their caregivers from underserved communities. With almost 400 students involved, the initiative became a powerful platform to cultivate inclusivity, service, and sincerity. Such efforts exemplify how collaboration, when embraced as a shared value, can drive real and lasting impact.

10. Next is, Assyakirin Mosque which also deserves mention. The centre achieved outstanding results, with 97% of their students participating in the aLIVE Competency Quiz and almost all of them meeting competency standards. And this reflects the quality of the students, teachers and support that the mosque has given to the programme.

11. Assyakirin also stood out for its strong student engagement. Approximately 3 in 4 students took part in the Take Home a New Experience, or THANX, initiatives where accomplishments reflect a holistic approach to nurturing confident, capable, and community-minded students.

12. These are powerful examples of faith, educators, family, and community working hand in hand.

13. This year, we have more than 540 students graduating from 24 centres and this milestone reflects the effort of our youth, the care of our asatizah and the support of parents who are here today to see you graduating. And it also reflects the support of our Asatizah, whom we need to thank for they are the mentors, role models, and anchors of patience and compassion during their learning journey.

14. At this point I think we should give full appreciation to the asatizah and the centres that have been supporting our students’ learning journey. At the same time, you too parents, deserve a round of applause.

15. So, thank you for believing in Islamic education through aLIVE. This encouragement, sacrifice, and support make all the difference.  And through your feedback we have also strengthened the aLIVE programme. Now I am pleased to announce the launch Little Lives app for parents. It will further strengthen communication between parents, teachers, and students with a smoother user experience and better data protection.

16. Finally graduates, today’s celebration marks both sadly an ending and a beginning. Graduation is not the end of learning. It is the start of a new chapter. Continue seeking knowledge. Continue growing in faith intellect and character.

17. I encourage you to explore the ADIL programme as one pathway forward. Remember, learning never stops. Every step brings you closer to Allah.

18. The world awaits your contribution. Carry with you the light of faith. Carry the values of compassion. Carry the spirit of service. Wherever life takes you, let your actions reflect the beauty of Islam.

19. In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all parents, teachers, mosque leaders, and ILHAM staff who have tirelessly supported our students. Your love and guidance have made today possible.

20. Congratulations once again to all our graduates. May your light continue to shine. May your families, your community, and for generations to come continue to benefit from you.
    
    Wabillahitaufiq wal hidayah,
    Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.