‘Islamisation of Knowledge is important,’ says New IIUM Rector in Speech at 40th IIUM Convocation

By, Daniya Afroz

GOMBAK, 18th October 2024: The third session of the 40th IIUM Convocation Ceremony at IIUM Gombak on 17 November marked a momentous occasion for the university, as the newly appointed Rector of the IIUM, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, delivered an inspiring speech to the university’s 682 graduates.

In his opening remarks, he said, “It is a day of immense pride, not only for you but for the families and loved ones who supported you throughout this journey. To your parents and families here, we thank you from the depths of our hearts for your unwavering patience, dedication, and courage.”

He reminded the graduates of the complicated and transformational period they are entering, marked by economic inequality, geopolitical disparity, rapid technological developments, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. “To our law graduates, you enter a world grappling with evolving and often unequal legal frameworks where hegemony and intentional biases dominate power. Justice is often skewed, with the powerful imposing their will on the vulnerable. As graduates of the IIUM, you hold the key to changing these unjust norms,” he urged. He underlined the importance of Tawhidic principles, the oneness of God, in encouraging true justice. “Law is not merely a tool of regulation but a path of upholding the principles of social order rooted in tawhid,” he explained.

Referring to ICT graduates, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman emphasized the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by developments in digitization and artificial intelligence. “Let your work and achievements reflect our values, ensuring that technology remains a tool for perpetual well-being in a rapidly changing world,” he stated. He further mentioned that more research studies should be conducted on cognitive science and the philosophy of intelligence that are necessary to advance the Islamization of knowledge in artificial intelligence.

The IIUM rector urged postgraduate diploma graduates to link their academic understanding to real-world applications across a range of disciplines. “Your role is to apply the values of integrity, service, and humility to all that you do. As khalifah, you have the responsibility to infuse your work with compassion and an unyielding commitment to bettering the society,” he said.

Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman concluded his speech by motivating the graduates with a verse engraved on the gate of an Medieval Muslim Andalusian University, “Islamic civilization stands on four pillars: the wisdom of sages, the knowledge of scholars, the justice of rulers, and the prayer of the pious.”***