In the process of writing a thesis, it’s common for final-year students to struggle with bouts of laziness. Nadiya Lil Khairi, a student from the Faculty of Islamic Studies who just graduated last Saturday (11/26), was no exception. According to Nadiya, whenever she felt signs of burnout, laziness, or a bad mood, she made herself push through rather than letting it slide. “When I’m feeling worn out, I change my environment—sometimes I go to a café to work on my thesis while enjoying a coffee,” she shared.

Her thesis, a library-based study, required her to read numerous books for research. Spending long hours on her laptop often left the Padang native stuck, not knowing what to write next. For this reason, she believes having specific goals is crucial for motivation. “It took me about two months to write the thesis,” Nadiya explained when asked about her writing timeline. “But ideally, it’s best to start earlier, in the seventh or beginning of the eighth semester.” She often worked late at night when it was quieter. She noted that the two-month timeframe felt short, demanding intense focus, effort, and well-organized goals.

Nadiya, a student specializing in Shariah studies, chose the thesis title, “Al-Ijtihad Al-Maqashidi 'inda Yusuf Qaradawi Fi Fiqhi Al-Aqalliyaat.” Her thesis examines the fatwas of the scholar Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, focusing on maqasid as-syariah principles related to the challenges faced by Muslim minorities, particularly in Europe. “I felt incredibly happy, especially being able to have the tassel of my graduation cap moved directly by the rector,” she added at the end of the interview.