By Shukran Abdul Rahman
GOMBAK, 22 August 2021: IIUM is working to name the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) after Allahyarham Prof. Emeritus Dato Dr. AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman, the second Rector of IIUM, given his enormous contribution and remarkable impacts he made to the University.
Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid, one of the best known contemporary scholars in the Muslim world who oversaw the growth of Malaysia’s IIUM, passed away last Wednesday (18 August) at the age of 85. He served as IIUM Rector from 1988 to 1998.
A tribute session held on Saturday night (21 August) by IIUM to commemorate the contribution of Allahyarham has enabled academics to know more about this great man, and to learn essential attributes that should be emulated by IIUM students, alumni, academics, and University officials.
The suggestion to name the Kulliyyah after the late professor was mooted by Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Kamal Hassan, the third Rector of IIUM, and was announced by Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato Dzulkifli Abdul Razak during the session. This suggestion is expected to be deliberated further in the University Management Committee meeting soon.Â
The naming of the Kulliyyah is to enliven the legacy of Prof. AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman in a concrete way.
Prof. Abdulhamid was instrumental in the establishment of the Kulliyyah, setting it as a unique kulliyyah which focuses on Islamisation of human knowledge, integration of revealed and acquired knowledge, and relevantisation of knowledge.
He introduced the major-minor academic structure for bachelors degree programmes in KIRKHS; in fact, such degree structure was the original make-up for all students in the Kulliyyah.
KIRKHS is the first centre of studies in the world to unite three main domains of knowledge in her teaching and learning, research and publications, namely Human Sciences, Social Sciences, and Islamic Studies (Theology), thanks to Prof. Abdulhamid who was very forward-looking in designing academic programmes at the Kulliyyah.
His main aims were to produce highly balanced and well-prepared graduates. The alumni of the Kulliyyah are currently serving in various job sectors in many parts of the world, beyond the traditional career paths for Islamic studies or social science graduates.
Prof. Abdulhamid had given due focus to the development of appropriate academic ambiance to students and academics. The availability and functionality of the library, mosque, and marketplace (shops and cafeteria) on campus were something that he valued and emphasised, which have become essential parts of the University and kulliyyah ambiance.
The Kulliyyah (KIRKHS) is indeed very delighted with the decision to rename the Kulliyyah as AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS).
May Allah bless the soul of Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. AbdulHamid A. AbuSulayman. And may He reward his contribution to the Kulliyyah (KIRKHS) and the University. ***
(Prof. Dr. Shukran Abdul Rahman is an academic at Department of Psychology and Dean of KIRKHS)