My daughters and sons, 

Congratulations on this momentous occasion. 

Today, as you move towards your future with degrees from the best international universities, I would like to remind you that knowledge and morality are interlinked. Morals guide knowledge towards the good of humanity; they are intertwined. No civilization has flourished without the pillars of knowledge and morality.

In our Prophet (PBUH) we have an exemplary role model. Allah described him as such in the Quran: “And you are truly a man of outstanding character.” And, the prophet carried the torch of morality saying, “I was sent to fulfill ethics and teach people morality” (unofficial translation).

So long as the Prophet (PBUH) is our role model and our guide, we will not find it difficult to determine our moral values – like mercy, tolerance, trust, generosity, and justice. In fact, such values are agreed upon across all religion and cultures around the world. 

In order to enhance these morals and instill them in our young people, we have decided to launch an award named ‘Akhlaquna’, which will be given to those young people who exemplify great moral character.

We pray that Allah, as he made us in his best image, to make us in the best moral character. 

Thank you.