By Nur Bakri bin Abd Hamid
On 15 January, our Sijil Pengajian Islam Lanjutan (Advanced Certificate in Islamic Studies) programme welcomed its very first cohort – 83 adults from all walks of life!
Business owners, engineers, educators, medical academics, community volunteers… each had a unique story, career, and life experience. They shared one goal: to deepen their understanding of Islam and put knowledge into action.
Offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH) in partnership with Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia, SPIL is flexible, practical, and value-based. It fits around busy lives while helping learners explore Islamic knowledge, strengthen values, and connect learning with real-life challenges.
The inaugural cohort kicked things off with a virtual orientation that went beyond the usual introductions. Students reflected on their personal goals and imagined the impact SPIL could have on their communities. They also explored how Islamic knowledge can guide ethical decision-making, support wellbeing, and address modern challenges – from workplaces to society at large.
SPIL was launched by Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Putrajaya on 16 October 2025. What was once an idea for accessible, value-driven Islamic education is now a vibrant reality.
For us, SPIL highlights a commitment to making quality Islamic education reachable to learners from every background. For IKRAM, it continues the mission of nurturing principled Muslims who can make a positive difference in their workplaces, communities, and society.
Our pioneering cohort marks the start of SPIL’s journey. Their questions, experiences, and feedback will help improve the programme for future learners.
With each module, SPIL aims to provide a supportive space where students can engage with Islamic knowledge, reflect on their values, and apply what they learn in everyday life.
