KUANTAN: Born with autism, Naquib Ajmal Mohd Jamal Nasir did not let the condition stand in the way of his progress and success in education.
The 26-year-old, with the support and motivaton from his parents, worked hard to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Quranic Studies and Sunnah at Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS).
And that hard work paid off.
Naquib, now an instructor at the Akademi Syahadah Tahfiz Al-Faizin in Selangor, not only completed his studies but was also named the recipient of a special award at the university's 21st convocation ceremony today.
"I am grateful to Allah. After enduring many hardships, I have finally graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Quranic Studies and Sunnah.
"I would not have achieved this without the support of my parents and lecturers, who helped me tremendously.
"Without them, I wouldn't have reached this stage," said the eldest of four siblings.
His mother, Anita Elias, 55, said she is grateful that despite her son's autism (speech difficulties), Allah has blessed him with a strong memory and a bright heart.
She shared that Naquib began speaking Malay at the age of nine. Before that, his son only spoke English and Arabic, which had learned in childhood.
"I am thankful that Naquib can now memorise 30 Juz' of the Quran. Allah has blessed him with a bright heart. Every challenge comes with its own strength.
"My husband, Mohd Jamal Nasir Ismail, 55, and I pray every day for Naquib Ajmal's success in his studies, as he is so eager to learn," said Anita, who works as a religious teacher.
The convocation ceremony, which took place at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Silver Jubilee Hall here today, was officiated by Tengku Panglima Raja Brigadier General Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah.
Present were the Pahang state secretary Datuk Seri Zukifli Yaacob, and UniPSAS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zawavi Zainal Abidin.
A total of 443 graduates received their scroll during the convocation ceremony.
Meanwhile, Mohd Zawavi said that based on the trust given to UniPSAS to provide Quranic education for the visually impaired, the state government has allocated a budget of RM1.2 million to provide E-Braille Quran and training for instructors.
"This programme will benefit the visually impaired community, especially in this state and nationwide," he said.