A Champion of Knowledge and Faith: Shashahani Irdina Shines at National Tilawah 2025

The University of Cyberjaya is proud to share the inspiring story of Shashahani Irdina binti Shamsul Rizal, a first-year Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student who was recently crowned National Champion in the 10 Juzuk with Taranum category at the National Quran Recitation Championship 2025.

Balancing the demands of medical studies with intense preparation for a prestigious Quranic competition is no small task—but for Shashahani, it was a journey rooted in purpose. Her connection with the Quran began early, but her deeper motivation came from a desire to live by its teachings and to recite it with the beauty and grace exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“I’ve always wanted to embody the Quran, not just memorise it,” she shared. “Learning taranum or melodic Quranic recitation, helps me connect emotionally with every verse I recite.”

Shashahani is currently enrolled in the Tahfiz Al-Quran Certification Programme (JAKIM–UoC) under MARA’s Young Talent Development Programme (Huffaz Professional)—an initiative designed for academically driven students in select programmes such as MBBS. The programme nurtures holistic growth through daily tasmik sessions—structured reviews where students recite memorised verses to instructors—alongside personalised mentorship and ongoing evaluations that support both academic excellence and spiritual discipline

Her preparation for the championship began during her secondary school years. Despite occasionally feeling behind her peers, she stayed consistent, making it a point to recite at least one to two juzuk a day—even amid the rigours of medical school. “I believe Allah was preparing me through patience,” she reflected.

She attributes her success to the support of her parents and the guidance of her lecturers at the University of Cyberjaya, especially Ustazah Nadiah, Ustazah Maisarah, and Ustazah Amilin. “They’ve been instrumental in helping me stay grounded in the Quran,” she said.

In addition to perfecting tajwid, mastering taranum required vocal discipline. She attended regular training sessions, responded attentively to corrections, and maintained a voice-friendly diet—avoiding spicy, oily, or cold foods—to ensure clarity and control in her recitation.

On the national stage, Shashahani felt a sense of calm and trust. “I reminded myself that my role was to give my best—and leave the rest to Allah. All praises be to Allah, I delivered the most heartfelt recitation of my life.”

She sees her win as a personal milestone and a greater trust. “This is a responsibility—a chance to be a representative of the Quran, to carry its message, and to inspire others through it.”

She reminds other young Huffaz and aspiring Qari or Qariah: “When you make time for Allah, He will make time for you. There is barakah (blessings) in every sincere effort, even the smallest ones.”

Shashahani hopes to bridge her knowledge of the Quran with her medical training to serve the community more meaningfully. Her aspiration is to promote not only physical healing but also spiritual well-being, drawing from both science and scripture. The University of Cyberjaya celebrates her success as a powerful example of how knowledge (‘ilm) and faith (iman) can thrive hand in hand.