By Abu Sufian
Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan, a distinguished Malaysian academic and Islamic scholar, passed away on February 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary scholarship and tireless dedication to his field. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan is widely regarded as a leading authority on contemporary Islamic thought in Southeast Asia, and his contributions to the academic community and society at large have been immeasurable.
Born in Pasir Mas, Kelantan in 1942, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan received his early education at the English school Sultan Ismail School in Kota Bharu, before pursuing his undergraduate degree in Islamic Studies at Universiti Malaya (UM) in 1965. He went on to pursue advanced degrees in the United States, earning his Master’s (MA), and PhD degrees from Columbia University, New York, in 1975.
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan’s academic career has spanned several decades and institutions. He joined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1979, where he served as Head of the Department of Usuluddin and Philosophy and eventually attained the rank of professor. In 1983, he joined the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as Shaikh al-Kulliyyah, and later became the first Dean of the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) before serving as the Rector of the IIUM from 1998 to 2006. He remained a Professor at the IIUM until his passing.
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan was a distinguished professor, revered in Malaysia for his exceptional scholarship and contributions to Islamic thought. His scholarly work focused on a range of topics, including philosophy, religion, social issues, and education. He authored numerous influential publications, including “The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Religions and Beliefs,” “Islamic Identity Crisis in the Muslim Community in Contemporary Malaysia,” and “Islamic Studies in Contemporary Southeast Asia: General Observations”.
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan’s contributions to his field went beyond his scholarship and academic leadership. He was a respected public figure who was passionate about promoting the understanding of Islam and enhancing social harmony. His character, personality, and works have inspired Muslims worldwide, thus serving as a beacon of hope and an exemplar of intellectual excellence.
Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohd. Kamal Hassan’s passing is a significant loss to the academic community and the wider society. His exceptional scholarship and contributions to Islamic thought will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. ***
(Abu Sufian is a PhD Candidate at the Department of English Language & Literature in the International Islamic University Malaysia)