Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) board of trustees chairperson Sheikh Allie Kennedy has advised Muslims in the country to further their education regardless of their age.
This was said at chancellor College in Zomba where two MAM officials, General Secretary Alhaj Twaib Lawe and MAM Mediation Sub-Committee Chairperson Alli Binali Makalani were awarded Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters HONORIS CAUSA; The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Jurisprudence – Fatawa respectively.
Speaking to Malawi Muslim Website after the ceremony, Kennedy said education has no age limit therefore seeking for extra knowledge should be an obligation of every human being.
“This is very inspiring, it is first of its kind that a Muslim is awarded a Honorary degree and a PhD in Islamic Jurisprudence in Malawi. I hope this will not stop here and many should emulate the gesture. However, one should understand that this do not just come on a silver platter, it is the result of hard work and putting more efforts together so let’s borrow a leaf”. Kennedy said
In his reaction the awardee Alhaj Twaib Lawe said he was delighted to have been awarded the Degree and has since asked Muslims to be loyal and committed to their work as it is a requirement for one to be awarded an Honorary Degree.
Lawe, who was an employee of Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi ESCOM for 33 years and was also instrumental in the acquisition of Qur’an House in Blantyre said he felt honored that people have recognized his contributions to Muslims and the country at large.
“This award is not only for me, it is for all Muslims in this country because without their support I would not have received it. I should also take this time to thank the Chairman of the Muslim Assocition of Malawi for the support rendered to me to achieve this, may Allah reward him and all the Muslims in the country for their support.” Lawe added.
The Degrees have been awarded by Moonlight College Newcastle South Africa and University of Faizul Uloom Islamia of Newcastle South Africa respectively.
None of the South African Institutions named in this article award degrees and why should such a ceremony take place in Malawi. Who represented the institutions at the ceremony?