Personal Statement

Dear,
Federal Urdu University Council

Speaking for myself, teaching is the best expression of knowledge sharing. I'm
enjoying my life by teaching Islamic lesson for three years. Annisa Lidya Ardiani is my full
name, but most people call me Annisa. I'm 25th years old, graduated from Qur'an and Hadith
Faculty, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, with final GPA 3.75 out of 4.00 for the master
programme. Currently, I'm living in my hometown, Sidoarjo, Indonesia, as an Qur’an and
Hadith lecturer at Sunan Ampel State Islamic University Surabaya. Occasionally, I also teach
some senior high school in Sidoarjo for the same lesson.

"Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim."

-Hadith from Ibn Majah number 224-

Rasulullah (pbuh), had told us about Muslim obligation to seek knowledge. But,
interestingly, knowledge here means by syari'ah knowledge. Actually, I wasn't too interested
in studying Islamic studies before. But, over time, when I set foot in 6th grade, I began to be
curious and wanted to know more about Islam. My teacher inspired me, that whatever
activities are based on the pleasure of Allah, then our path will be facilitated by Him.
However, there is one key that must be held tightly, namely the belief in His power. The
greater the belief in God, miracle will continue to arrive in unexpected ways. And those
words are never forgotten by me until now.
Since I was in elementary school, I was able to read the Kalamullah fluently. My
score in this lesson was good enough too. So, I was thinking that it could be very excited if I
could teach Islamic studies one day. I started to buy some books that related to Islam. My
collection keeps ascending until I was a senior high school student.
In school, there was an organization called SKI (Sie Kerohanian Islam), the only
Islamic organization in Senior High School 3 Sidoarjo. I feel comfortable when interacting
and hanging out with my new siblings there. Because of that, I was keen to contribute to SKI
which was later I was chosen to be the chief of the Syi'ar division. For your information, the
Syi'ar division is division which takes care of Islamic da'wah in schools and the surrounding
community. This activity continued when I entered Airlangga University and joined the
Intellectual Moslem Scholar Community (JIMM), that also an Islamic organization.
I got many benefits, I could teach my friend to read the Qur'an as well as sharing
information about Islam. I could feel positive energy around me, such as peace and freedom.
My determination to share knowledge is getting stronger when Ramadhan comes. I came to
know some great preacher who graduated from Al-Azhar University on Youtube. One of
them is Ustadz Hannan Attaki. The way he explained the Qur’an was so unique and easy to
understand, that makes me want to follow his trail. Then, I started to study Arabic and
thanks to Allah, I mastered Arabic language by the year of 2023. Islam is my way to get
peace, teaching Islamic studies is my goal and study in Al-Azhar University is the way to
achieve it.
After graduating from Airlangga University on March 2023, I found out some
information about scholarship in Egypt, but I realized that the registration have been closed 3
days before. It was so close to achieve my dream. I kept blaming myself until my relatives
cheer me up. They reminded me about surah Al-Insyirah verse number 6 " Indeed, with
hardship [will be] ease". From that day on, I pray tahajjud to allay my mind and increase my
faith after a disenchantment. I tried to let it go. I was hoping that there will be another chance
for me. In several days, my friend gave me a scholarship information from one of Pakistan's
scholarship institute. I couldn't believe it! It was surprising. I enroll myself and sent some
requirements they need. I tried my best on it. In accordance with online, I undergo a series of
tests tested by that institution include language test (English also Arabic) and 8 chapter
Qur'an recitation. Shortly, I was declared to have passed the test. While waiting for more
information, I took care of all the documents I needed to study abroad. Indeed, with hardship
[will be] ease. For their service, I was wondering to serve Pakistan by teaching.
As I expected, Cairo has given me a lot of valuable experience. My life cost in
Cairo was high-classified. So, I looked for a job that would not interfere my study hours.
Fortunately, besides being Moslem's favorite destination in the world, Cairo is one of a
strategic locations to open a business. So, I used my Islamic economics knowledge to create a
service business that I named with Annisa Islamic Typography. With this, I can pay for my
own tuition without bothering others, especially my parents. So, I was sure, I most likely can
also survive in other countries, like Pakistan. Beside that, in my spare time during school
holiday, I learnt Urdu language, hoping to speak fluently with Pakistani one day.
 The following year, I got the opportunity to teach at Surabaya State Islamic
University in the courses of Qur'an and Hadith. But, I did not stop here, I challenged myself
to look for a job vacancies abroad so that I could spread my knowledge more widely. And, I
choose Pakistan as my prime choice.

“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
- Shahih al-Bukhari number 4739 -

I believe the only way to be good in something is learn from the master. I have
searching many Islamic university in the world and Federal Urdu University, Pakistan had
stole my attention. My decision to teach Qur’an and Hadith is one of the rightest decision
I've ever made. I would be excited to teach the incoming class for 2028. I hope council will
seriously consider me as a lecturer for this program, my strong motivation and plans are a
good match for what this program has to offer. I sincerely believe I would make a valuable
lecturer in this program.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Annisa Lidya Ardiani