IIUM In-Touch Special Edition 2024

Our mission is not only to be a leading Islamic university but to stand alongside world-class institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. These institutions draw upon a foundation established by early Islamic centres of knowledge in Andalusia, where the first generation of Oxford scholars once studied. I believe that IIUM can reclaim that legacy. To be truly Islamic, IIUM must embody the principles of Tawhidic epistemology, an integrative framework that emphasizes the unity of knowledge under Islam. This philosophy shapes our institution’s Islamic character and sets a standard for the kind of education we provide. We must prioritize this identity not only in name but also in practice, ensuring our academic endeavours reflect Islamic values and wisdom. Finally, we are a university, not a college or school. This distinction is vital because it defines the academic rigor and quality that must characterize all our programs. IIUM carries a Malaysian character, yes, but our aspirations and obligations extend far beyond national borders. Our duty is to produce graduates and research of the highest quality, worthy of the global reputation we uphold. InshaAllah, with the dedication of our entire IIUM community, we will meet these expectations and advance the legacy of this institution for the benefit of our nation, the Ummah, and humanity at large. 3. How do you plan to strengthen IIUM’s balance between Islamic values and modern education? Reflecting on the solid foundation laid by my predecessors, I recognize the enduring importance of our guiding principles: Islamisation, Integration, Internationalisation, and Comprehensive Excellence. These "Triple I’s" are as relevant and vital as ever, alhamdulillah. Yet, I feel that over time, the understanding of these principles has changed, especially among newer generations of academics and students. Misunderstandings about Islamisation and Integration, in particular, concern me. Without delving deeply into their true meaning, we risk reducing them to slogans rather than lived values. To address this, I want to return to the spirit at the heart of these principles—a concept I call Tawheedisation, the essence of Islamisation and Integration. It is essential to give depth and meaning to these values to avoid surface-level application. I am committed to enriching these principles, providing a clearer framework that even critics will come to appreciate, inshallah. With knowledge, we can bridge understanding, and I believe a more profound, meaningful application of the Triple I’s will reinforce our university's unique character. In today’s world, IIUM faces numerous challenges, unlike those we encountered decades ago. Last year marked our 40th anniversary, a time for reflection on how ourlandscape has evolved. Thirty years ago, we were the only international Islamic university of our kind. Now, other institutions have emerged, including new, well-funded Islamic universities in countries like Indonesia. The competitive landscape has grown, and this calls for a renewed commitment to maintaining our unique edge. Our challenge lies in demonstrating the strength of our curriculum and showing how we uniquely harmonize Islamic tradition with modern knowledge. Many universities claim to do this, but in practice, their programs often fall short. IIUM can lead the way by offering curriculum packages that truly integrate Islamic principles with contemporary sciences, providing a balanced, world-class education. In my article for The Muslim 500, where I was honoured to be included among the world’s most influential Muslims, I explored what defines an Islamic university in the 21st century. This question is central to our identity and to my vision for IIUM. It’s not only about upholding our Islamic heritage but about innovating in ways that serve humanity. To achieve this, I plan to work closely with colleagues across IIUM to develop a curriculum that bridges Islamic and modern knowledge—a pioneering endeavour that could position us as a global leader in education. InshaAllah, with the collective effort of the IIUM community, I am confident we can meet these challenges head-on and ensure that our university remains a beacon of knowledge and excellence for the Muslim world and beyond. 4. What do you see as the biggest challenges IIUM faces today, and how do you plan to deal with them? Our world is changing incredibly fast, and it is technology that’s fuelling this transformation. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), along with Artificial Intelligence (AI), has dramatically reshaped the way we live, particularly for the younger generation. The students we see today—whether in high schools or universities—are truly products of this technological era. Their minds, their perspectives, are shaped by it in ways that are both exciting and challenging. When I was young, the home was our first school. We learned primarily from our parents, then came the formal school setting, and finally, the community served as a kind of third learning environment. Today, it’s very different. Technology has become such a pervasive force that it reaches 14