Under the patronage of Qunfudhah University College Dean, Dr. Yassin Al-Zubaidi, Qunfudhah University College, in collaboration with the Center for Family Development "ELAF" held a symposium entitled "How to be a Role Model" on Tuesday, 05/04/1438 H, at the College Theater.

The symposium was opened and managed by Dr. Mohammed Al-Hazemi, the College Vice-Dean, where he referred to the importance of having a role model and the need for establishing them, noting that this seminar comes in line with the project "How to be a Role Model," launched by the Adviser of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, as this project falls under the area strategy as regards human building.

Dr.  Sagar bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi Assistant Professor in jurisprudence of the Islamic Studies Department of the College and Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Eissa, Assistant Professor in Islamic Principles Department of the College gave lectures in the symposium.

Dr. Sagar Al-Ghamdi defined a role model, explaining the role of the media and its influence in creating role models; also showing the importance of educational systems and their importance in creating role models, and that it's a cornerstone of education.  The best example of  a role model is the Prophet (PBUH). "Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembereth Allah much." and that the Prophet's life is the best example to follow. The second type is represented in following our fathers and ancestors "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided." Dr. Al-Ghamdi also referred to the fundamentals of role models: first that the role model should be good, second, have good manners and third "walk the talk", stressing the principles of being a role model and its importance.

Dr. Ali Al Eissa spoke at the second part of the symposium, explaining the definition of role models from the educational standpoint, and that it's called in educational science "silent education", noting that 90% of human personality formation happens before the age of 10 through silent education, which exists in the role model the child sees before their eyes. Parents are considered the first role model the child grows up to. Education vary in form; for instance unintended, spontaneous and intended education.

Dr. Al Eissa also noted that areas of being a role model can be manifested in worship, ethics and dealings with others, explaining that the elements of education conducted  by adults must have to follow the Prophet, making use of children's tendency to mimic, use Muslim instinct and their inclination towards doing good, as well as companionship and friendship.

The Symposium attracted a large audience and interaction by faculty members in the form of interventions, which enriched the Symposium topic. The Symposium was concluded by a word from the College Dean thanking sponsors and organizers of the Symposium, explaining that those symposiums enrich the intellectual and cultural side of faculty members and students, and gives scientific academic life a distinct cultural nature.

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