‘Tawhidic Epistemology is the root of Ummatic Excellence’ – Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar

By, Nur Maisarah Mustafa

GOMBAK, 14 March 2025: The distinguished Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar delivered an insightful speech for the IIUM event, Al-Liqa Al-Jamie themed, IIUM’s Way Forward Towards Ummatic Excellence on 13 March at IIUM Gombak campus. The event marked a significant occasion for the academic and administrative community, providing an opportunity to reflect on the university’s vision for the future.

In his highly anticipated speech, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman began by presenting a visual framework on the large screen that depicted the way forward for the IIUM. It presented different layers symbolizing tawhidic epistemology, tawhidic mind, ummatic mind, and ummatic excellence. According to the IIUM Rector, the first layer, tawhidic epistemology, is the foundation of knowledge. He explained that it is the way of acquiring and understanding knowledge rooted in the oneness of God (Tawhid). The second layer, the tawhidic mind, refers to individual awareness and the application of tawhidic principles in one’s life. The third layer, the ummatic mind, focuses on collective consciousness and societal well-being, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Finally, the outermost layer, ummatic excellence, represents the highest standards of ethical, intellectual, and professional excellence, aiming to serve the broader Muslim community, or the Ummah.

He emphasized that tawhidic epistemology is essential for achieving ummatic excellence. He explained that it should guide us towards developing a tawhidic mind, distinguishing it from a non-tawhidic or anti-tawhidic ways of thinking. He pointed out that when an individual adopts a tawhidic mind, they align their actions with the oneness of God, fostering unity, compassion, and ethical behaviour.

Drawing a connection between the university’s core values and tawhidic epistemology, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman noted that even the IIUM song carries the message of leading the way and leading the world—principles that tie into tawhidic epistemology as a path toward achieving ummatic excellence.

“Tawhidic epistemology produces us as individuals, as academics, as students, as scholars, that hopefully will lead us to having a tawhidic mind,” he said. “Tawhidic epistemology means unity, so the tawhidic mind loves the idea of unity,” he further explained. This unity is integral to how IIUM envisions its role in the development of its students and the broader community.

Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman also shared a visual framework detailing IIUM’s strategic direction. There were two primary goals: first, to popularize tawhidic epistemology as an enduring guide to learning, research, and the balanced development of the curriculum; and second, to pursue ummatic excellence as the ultimate aim of holistic campus development.

After outlining the university’s strategic direction, the Rector concluded his speech with a hopeful message to the audience, urging them to embrace his vision for the future. He expressed his belief that applying tawhidic epistemology would guide IIUM’s path toward ummatic excellence, benefiting both the institution and the wider community.

In an exclusive interview session with Communication students, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Mokhtar, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman elaborated on how students at IIUM can practically apply tawhidic epistemology. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and helping others in need, a key value that embodies unity in action. Drawing on the ongoing struggles of the Palestinians, the Rector explained that true unity means feeling the pain and suffering of others.

“When they are bleeding, we also bleed and feel hurt by what happens to them,” he said, highlighting how such empathy and solidarity reflect the essence of tawhidic epistemology. He concluded that unity is a powerful driver of ummatic excellence, as it fosters a society committed to collective well-being.

The event proceeded with a Town Hall session, moderated by the Director of IIUM’s Office for Strategy and Institutional Change, Prof. Ar. Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian. In this session, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman answered various questions from the audience, further clarifying his vision and the role of tawhidic epistemology in shaping IIUM’s future.

The audience left the hall with renewed understanding of the university’s direction and the importance of embracing tawhidic epistemology in the journey towards ummatic excellence.***