The Scribe

𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: 𝗕𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗵 𝗠. 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮'𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗦𝗨–𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼'𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻

For Bai Aliyah M. Panda, becoming the first valedictorian from the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, major in Shari'ah, at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao's Class of 2026 is more than an academic milestone. Her journey reflects a story of faith, personal conviction, perseverance, and resilience—one shaped by difficult decisions, public scrutiny, and an unwavering commitment to her beliefs.

Panda's academic journey did not begin in Islamic Studies. She was initially enrolled in another degree program where she studied Philippine laws. While she appreciated the knowledge she gained, she found herself questioning whether her education reflected the values she wished to live by. Recalling the turning point that led her to shift programs, Panda shared, "Before I started studying Shari'ah, I was in a different program where I learned about the laws of the Philippines. We were often taught about things that are considered haram. I remember one of my instructors once said, 'I'm just teaching this; I'm not actually practicing it.' That statement really stuck with me." She said the remark stayed with her for days until, during one lecture, she came to a realization that changed the course of her education. "I was becoming an expert in man-made laws, but I had absolutely no real knowledge of Allah's law. That realization made me realize that I was on the wrong path for me. I wanted to understand the rules that truly matter to my faith and my soul. That is why I decided to leave my old program and pursue an AB in Islamic Studies, majoring in Shari'ah. I wanted my education to reflect what I truly believe in," Panda said.

Her college years, however, were not without challenges. According to Panda, one of the most difficult moments came during the conferment of academic honors. She shared that her name initially appeared on an unofficial honors list as ineligible due to the interpretation of the university's residency requirement, despite having earned the highest cumulative grade point average.

“I immediately wrote a letter to the OVSSD—not a petition, as fake news claimed—but a request for them to recognize the hard work and dedication I had poured into my years at the university,” Panda said. She expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Development Vice Chancellor Dr. Ramjie, whom she credited for acting on her request after determining that no university policy prohibited a student who transferred between MSU campuses from receiving academic honors.

According to Panda, the matter was elevated to the Chancellor and underwent a review involving the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the University Registrar, legal consultants from the MSU College of Law, and other university officials. The review clarified the relevant provision of the MSU Code of Governance, and upon the Chancellor's approval, she was officially recognized as the Class Valedictorian.

Following the announcement, Panda said she became the target of false accusations and online harassment. “People spread rumors that I had ‘bought’ the title, stolen it, mocked me because of my course, or used family influence,” she recalled. “I faced intense cyberbullying, with cruel posts sent to me by friends and peers. Yet, I chose to remain silent. I simply waited for the university to handle the situation, trusting in their process.”

Looking back, Panda believes the experience strengthened her understanding of sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust in Allah). "That experience taught me that when people act out of emotion and ignorance, silence is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Sometimes, the most dignified way to defend your truth is not to argue with the noise, but to make du'ā, trust Allah, remain steadfast, and let your character and the truth speak for themselves," she reflected. She added that the experience deepened her appreciation of a saying she attributes to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "What was meant for you will never miss you, and what missed you was never meant for you." For Panda, the lesson is ultimately captured in the words, Qadr'Allah Wa Ma Sha Fa'al—Allah has decreed, and whatever He wills, He does.

Beyond academic achievements, Panda said the chapter of her life she longs to revisit is not her graduation but the quiet moments she shared with her late Ina. "I often think back to the quiet moments when my Ina would call my name, asking for help with simple, everyday things. Especially at night, she would call me to join her for our night routine," she recalled. She admitted that there were times she hesitated or delayed because of schoolwork and the pressures of university life. "If I could return to those moments, I would drop everything in an instant. I would hug her tightly, hold her hands, and cherish every conversation, listening to her life stories and even her smallest rants, fully present and without distraction," she said.

As she concludes her undergraduate journey, Panda hopes people will remember not only her academic accomplishments but also the values that sustained her throughout every challenge. "Sometimes, the most dignified way to defend your truth is not to argue with the noise, but to make du'ā, trust Allah, remain steadfast, and let your character and the truth speak for themselves," she said. Guided by the belief, Qadr'Allah Wa Ma Sha Fa'al—Allah has decreed, and whatever He wills, He does—Panda's story reflects how faith, perseverance, and conviction shaped her journey to becoming the first valedictorian from the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, major in Shari'ah, at MSU–Maguindanao.

✍🏻 Gregorio
‎🖼️ Caoimhe