WOW: MCO Worldwide: Egypt
- IIUM TREASURE
- May 25, 2020
- 4 min read
IG live session with Ahmad Fathi Yakan Bin Husni
(23rd April 2020)
Would you like to introduce yourself before we further this live session?
I’m Ahmad Fathiyakan and I stayed in Egypt from I’m 15 years old until now, I am 25. I studied my high school in Egypt and further my study at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Now I’m final year student of Syariah Islam and I’m doing some business here.
What is the current situation in Egypt?
Around 2000 cases and about 200 deaths due to the covid-19 outbreak. Also, 80% are cured approximately. Therefore, the Egyptian government imposes a nationwide, overnight curfew from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. to combat the novel covid-19. But the problem is, social distancing only happens at night. In the day, Egyptian citizens do their daily activities as usual. They pretend like nothing happened in the day. It is even worse when there are many infected people undiagnosed and spread the infection to others. Hence, the statistics released by the government are not accurate. Furthermore, many universities are closed, only pharmacies and supermarkets are allowed to be operating after 5 p.m. In addition, police patrol officers are charged during the curfew and summons valued around RM1000 will be issued by them for people who violate to remain indoors. For airport status, there are flight restrictions to the entry of certain countries or regions. Currently, flights from Egypt to Malaysia are still allowed to board.
What is your opinion about the differences of movement restrictions between Malaysia and Egypt?
From my point of view, Egyptians are quite obstinate and uncompromising with the commands given by the authorities. As I said before, the control of movement in Egypt only happens at night.
How about the current update of academic work in Egypt?
The study is still conducted but with different methods. We do have online classes and examinations through Zoom applications. But there are consequences with this approach which students can cheat in the exams. As a result, the online tests are conducted just to fulfil the university requirements.
How about the Malaysian students' condition in Egypt during the covid-19 outbreak in Egypt?
Me and my fellows are alright and in the best conditions. Sometimes we feel bored. So, we play video games, watch movies and learn to cook. For us, it is quite expensive if we have a meal outside regularly. So, me and my housemates decided to cook by ourselves to save budget.
What are the main challenges studying in Egypt?
Firstly, the cultural differences are the main obstacles here. Egyptians are totally different from Malaysian. They are quite harsh and rude. So we tried to socialise and make friends with them to adapt with new places.
Second, we must learn a new language that is different from the Arabic language that we studied before which is Fusha Arabic. Instead, they use Amiya Arabic. By any means, we need to master both languages to communicate and to avoid being lied to Egyptian.
Also, one of the difficulties is Al-Azhar University’s systems that are testing our intention to study. Our university gives precedence to the students’ sincerity. The reason is that we must attend class and do revision wholeheartedly although there are no assignments, carry marks and attendance records applied in Al-Azhar University.
What are your tips and motivations for stranded students on campus?
We are far from parents and family, so we need to keep them updated with our conditions and do not make them worried about us. We should always call them and ask about their health too. In addition, please stop doing useless (lagha) things that make us away from doing good deeds.
Other than that, we should take this opportunity to upgrade ourselves by acquiring knowledge from our different fields of study. We are able to broaden our knowledge during this free time. As for myself, I improve my skills in editing and cooking.
Next, during this month of blessings we should at least recite the whole Quran once. I already shared the easiest tips on my Instagram post. We just have to read 4 pages at least after every prayer so that we could finish 1 juz per day. So, in shaa Allah we will complete the Quran recitation after 30 days.
Besides, we should be strong with the issues that we are facing now. We have to be ready with any consequences that will occur. We should expect this Ramadan and Aidilfitri will be different from previous years. Therefore, we need to be strong and have faith.
Would you share with us a prayer that we can practise to face these problems these days?
Selawat Tafrijiyah or called as Selawat Nariyah. This selawat is accompanied by a prayer that asks for Allah’s help to lighten our burden in facing problems.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ صَلاَةً كَامِلَةً ❁ وَسَلِّمْ سَلاَماً تَامًّا ❁ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ الَّذِي تَنْحَلُّ بِهِ الْعُقَدُ ❁ وَتَنْفَرِجُ بِهِ الْكُرَبُ ❁ وَتُقْضَىٰ بِهِ الْحَوَائِجُ ❁ وَتُنَالُ بِهِ الرَّغَائِبُ وَحُسْنُ الْخَوَاتِمِ ❁ وَيُسْتَسْقَى الْغَمَامُ بِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ ❁ وَعَلىٰ آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ ❁ فِي كُلِّ لَمْحَةٍ وَنَفَسٍ بِعَدَدِ كُلِّ مَعْلُومٍ لَكَ
O Allah, send a perfect prayer and complete greeting of peace upon our master Muhammad — the one by whom problems are solved, and anxieties are relieved, and needs are fulfilled, and aspirations are attained and good endings are received, and by whose noble face the clouds give rain — and upon his Family and Companions, with every glance and every breath, by the number of everything that is known to You.
To wrap up, what are your last words before we end this live session?
For stranded students on campus, don’t stress, don't be sad. Use this plenty of time to learn new things. Please do not forget to call your family. Also, please update yourselves with global issues happening now so that we are aware about every upcoming aftermath. Lastly, it is good to always be sincere in your study and everything you do. Do not be riya’ with our knowledge and what we have because all we have are from Allah.
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