By, Balqis Radzi
GOMBAK, 22 November 2024: The primary mission of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in preserving and sustaining its Islamic identity was emphasised by the new IIUM Rector, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bin Bakar in his speech delivered in the second session of IIUM’s 40th Convocation on 17 November, at IIUM Gombak.
He congratulated all Master’s graduands in the audience by saying, “Today must be the happiest days in your life. I’m sure that your parents and relatives are extremely proud of your achievements.”
He said that the graduands will enter the next phase of life after graduating. He prayed for their success as professionals in their respective fields and specialisations cultivated at the IIUM. His applauding words gave an impact to the audiences, especially to the Postgraduate Degrees for Master graduands from the 18 kulliyyahs and institutes who were conferred in the session.
During his speech, the IIUM Rector pointed out that there was the urgent need for all Muslims to formally embrace Islam’s legacy. The concept Tawhidic epistemology plays a role in integrating and uniting all bodies of knowledge and the Ummatic model of development founded by the Prophet (PBUH) shapes the Muslim community socially and ethically.
The graduands should strive for the ummah and not lose sight which equates to losing the individual and the ummatic identity of Islam.
Moreover, he highlighted that the world is rapidly changing, both technologically and geopolitically. Artificial intelligence (AI) feared as a destructor to the world, becomes a powerful tool to society. He strongly advocated that graduates should use AI wisely, ethically, and compassionately.
The Rector closed his speech by reminding graduands not to forget the sacrifices that were made by their parents, the guidance by their lecturers and everyone else that helped them in getting their achievements that they had gotten today. He concluded with a Malay pantun advising graduands to remember the acts of kindness by others and to be blessed throughout their life.***
