Professors play a crucial role in academia by not only advancing scholarship but also fostering the intellectual and moral development of students and emerging scholars. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply conveying knowledge; they also inspire, mentor, and nurture future scholarship grounded in integrity and purpose. This vision was vividly illustrated through two programs organized by the USIM Writers’ Pool in August 2025, which featured two distinguished professors whose thought-provoking lectures left a deep impression on both students and faculty.
Prof. Dr. Rozhan Mohammed Idrus, in his lecture titled “Life as A PhD: Defending Your Thesis Before the Almighty”, offered a powerful and reflective perspective on the doctoral journey. He redefined the PhD not merely as an academic challenge but as a moral undertaking an amanah (sacred trust) to be defended not only before examiners, but ultimately before Allah. Prof. Rozhan emphasized that, within Islam, the pursuit of knowledge constitutes an act of worship (ibadah). The challenges encountered during doctoral research, including extended hours and intellectual obstacles, serve as tests of character. He asserted that scholars must demonstrate perseverance, sincerity (ikhlas), and ethical resilience.
He further highlighted that knowledge (ilmu) is a divine responsibility that demands humility. Genuine scholars should pair intellectual prowess with good conduct (adab), ensuring their legacy is not mere accolades but beneficial knowledge (ilmu yang bermanfaat) that uplifts society. The most striking moment came with his profound question: “Can I defend my thesis before Allah?” This reframed success not as external validation, but as inner and spiritual alignment. His reminder was clear: the ultimate audience of every scholar is not confined to a panel of examiners, but to the Almighty.
The second lecture, delivered by Professor Emerita Dato’ Dr. Roshada Hashim, was titled “The Silent Scholar: When Professors Don’t Profess.” She addressed the issue of scholars gradually withdrawing from their essential roles as sources of truth, guidance, and inspiration. Prof. Roshada described how institutional pressures, performance-based evaluations, and bureaucratic demands often silence academics. Professors once the torchbearers of knowledge and civic thought are increasingly caught in routines that erode their intellectual vitality. Silence, she noted, can emerge either from disillusionment or as quiet resistance. Regardless of the cause, its result is a diminished academic landscape. Her call was clear: educators must rekindle authenticity and purpose in their teaching. The true role of the professor extends far beyond chasing metrics; it lies in mentoring, provoking thought, and bridging divides in society.
Prof. Roshada also emphasized the significant role of language teaching. She argued that language instruction encompasses more than vocabulary and grammar, serving as a gateway to cultural understanding, values, and ethical perspectives. She contended that when educators avoid addressing ethics and worldview, the core of education is diminished. She drew parallels to Japanese cultural concepts such as haragei (腹芸) the subtle art of implicit communication where silence carries deep meaning. Yet, she cautioned against overvaluing silence at the expense of truth. In Japanese tradition, the role of a sensei (teacher) is active and moral, embodying both inspiration and guidance. Her message was unequivocal: professing is more than teaching; it is a moral stance. She urged academics to reclaim their voices, both within institutions and in society at large, ensuring that education remains grounded in authenticity, courage, and ethical conviction.
The lectures of Prof. Rozhan and Prof. Roshada illuminate the path forward for students and academics alike. From the sacred responsibility of knowledge to the moral duty of professing truth, their words remind us that professors are more than educators they are torchbearers who chart the moral and intellectual compass of society. As USIM continues to nurture future scholars, these voices stand as guiding lights, ensuring that knowledge is pursued with humility, sincerity, and courage. Ultimately, their wisdom underscores a timeless truth: the role of the professor is not confined to the classroom, but extends into the shaping of a just, ethical, and enlightened society.