IIUM In-Touch Special Edition 2024

This issue also provides a glimpse into Professor Osman’s journey, his reflections on the role of an Islamic university in today’s world, and his aspirations for IIUM as a leading institution that stands firmly on its values while embracing innovation. We hope these stories inspire you, as they have inspired us, to continue striving toward our shared mission of fostering knowledge for the benefit of the Ummah. On behalf of OCAP and the editorial team, I would like to thank all contributors to this special issue, whose dedication has made this edition possible. May this publication serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the enduring values that define IIUM. In unity of purpose and knowledge. Assalamualaikum wrh wbt. It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of purpose that we present this special issue of In-Touch Magazine, dedicated to the 7th Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia, Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar. This edition not only celebrates the esteemed leadership of Professor Osman but also highlights the inspiring vision he brings to our beloved university. As one of Malaysia's most respected scholars in Islamic thought and philosophy, Professor Osman embodies the very essence of IIUM’s mission. His expertise in Tawhidic epistemology—an understanding that underscores the unity of knowledge within an Islamic worldview—is both a testament to his scholarship and a guiding framework for IIUM. In a world increasingly defined by complex challenges, his commitment to knowledge as a means of both intellectual and spiritual enrichment offers profound insights for our university community. In this special issue, we explore the Rector’s vision for IIUM, where he calls upon us all to champion knowledge grounded in the oneness of Allah, nurturing a generation that integrates spiritual and academic excellence. Under his leadership, we are encouraged to expand our academic pursuits, enhance our commitment to ethical scholarship, and deepen our role as a beacon of Islamic knowledge, not just within Malaysia but across the global academic landscape. Editorial With warmest regards, Shahrizad binti Sa-idul Haj Editor-in-Chief, In-Touch Office for Communication, Advocacy and Promotion (OCAP) International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 4