81-year-old fulfils lifelong dream of earning PhD
Despite undergoing two eye surgeries and facing hearing and memory problems, Abdul Ghani Muhamad completed his doctorate in Sufism and Tariqa in four years
AGENCY
BACHOK – Undergoing two eye surgeries and facing hearing difficulties and memory problems have not dampened 81-year-old Abdul Ghani Muhamad's determination to fulfil his dream of earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The father of nine and grandfather of 35 received his PhD in Sufism and Tariqa at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan's (UMK) convocation ceremony today, after completing four years of study since 2022.
Abdul Ghani said he had long aspired to pursue doctoral studies, but his responsibilities as a teacher and head of the family had forced him to put the ambition on hold.
He said the dream finally became a reality after he was inspired by friends who had earned doctorates and held senior positions.
"I felt rather envious seeing many of my friends obtain doctoral degrees and hold high-ranking positions, including becoming muftis and ministers.
"I can finally fulfil that dream today, even at an advanced age, having successfully completed my studies within the stipulated period,” he told reporters after the 16th UMK Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, UMK Bachok, here today.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced during his studies, he said that apart from his health problems, keeping up with current technology to complete his research was also difficult. However, he received considerable help from his children and grandchildren.
"There were other challenges I had to overcome, including mastering current technology to complete my research. I learnt a great deal from my children and grandchildren in this regard.
"I never lost heart. If my health and circumstances permit, I hope to earn another doctorate in the same field,” he said.
On his future plans, Abdul Ghani said he would continue his religious outreach through lectures, as well as translation work and book writing through his own company.
To date, he has translated 39 books on Sufism into Jawi and Romanised Malay for public reference.
"To me, there is no age limit to acquiring knowledge. It is a lifelong learning process, and everyone has the opportunity to pursue it,” he said. –BERNAMA
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