Student Exchange Programme 2012 - Islamic Institute of Toronto (IIT) & International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 1. AMIR SYAFIQ NOORDIN 2. NUSAIBAH HAMIZAN 3. IZZAH ZAHIN ALIMAN 4. NURFARAHIN ZULKIFLI 5. AMIR QAYYUM CHE NORDDIN 6. QURRATU AINI ZAINI 7. RAAED OMAR MOHAMMAD SAMAE 8. NOR KATRINA ANIS BINTI AHMAD GHANI 9. MUHAMMAD FARIS BIN ZAIDI

1. AMIR SYAFIQ
BIN NOORDIN
“ Thevaluablethingsyou can pack on a journey:
Traveling with open eyes, open mind
and open heart”
Assalamualaikum.Peacebeupon you.
The time I spent in Canada was one of my sweetest moments in my life. It was such a short period
of time around 10 days as compared to the time waiting for several months preparing to go for it.
Thank you Allah, for giving my friends and I the opportunity to visit Canada. I find myself still
dreaming and living of days in Canada though the long hour flights to and fro Canada via Abu Dhabi
was tiring.

2. Nevertheless, knowledge is the lens through which we see the world. And knowledge built from the
Student Exchange Programme; the experiences — what I have done, places I have been, people I
have met was highly beneficial. The wisdom shared by the shuyookh, meetings with community
leaders from various Canadian muslims organizations, interactions with people around me, staying
with Canadian host family… is an inspirational journey of self-discovery to be a better muslim in the
future, insyallah.
In addition, Islamic values and traditions are embraced and celebrated in Canada. For examples,
providing excellent hospitality to guests, giving away sadaqa jariah, giving salam and greeting each
other. What I am so sure is that Canadians are very hardworking people and very focused in their
job. They work from morning until evening without taking granted for any benefits or incentives
that the government gives to them. They also emphasise punctuality and are committed to keeping
public places clean, tidy and free from litter. Hopefully, we all can emulate their act in being
istiqamah (steadfast) not only in our belief but also in observing our manners.
Morever, Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said: “Wisdom is one’s own property which a believer
appropriates from any source.” Imam Shafie also said travelling is an excellent educational
experience that sharpens the intellect and broaden the mind. The invigorating experience certainly
has enriched me intellectually and spiritually. It has opened my eyes to the world outside my ‘comfy
bubble’. In Canada, I have the first hand experiencing the way the muslims adhere to Islamic
practices and establish Islam in their lands. May Allah reward them immensely for their efforts. I
sincerely wish other muslims would have the chance to visit Canada and muslims in Canada on the
other hand; to visit my beloved country, Malaysia. Thank you to IIT and all people in Canada that
helped us a lot during our stay in Canada. Only Allah can repay for your kindness.
Jazakallahukhairan.Wassalam.