{"id":183273,"date":"2025-03-17T03:37:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T03:37:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=183273"},"modified":"2025-03-19T08:14:58","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T08:14:58","slug":"tawhidic-epistemology-is-the-root-of-ummatic-excellence-prof-emeritus-datuk-dr-osman-bakar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=183273","title":{"rendered":"‘Tawhidic Epistemology is the root of Ummatic Excellence’ – Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar<\/gwmw>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By, Nur Maisarah<\/strong><\/em> Mustafa<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s vision for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>epistemology, tawhidic <\/em>mind, ummatic <\/em>mind, and ummatic <\/em>excellence. According to the IIUM Rector, the first layer, tawhidic <\/em>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 <\/em>mind, refers to individual awareness and the application of tawhidic principles in one\u2019s life. The third layer, the ummatic <\/em>mind, focuses on collective consciousness and societal well-being, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Finally, the outermost layer, ummatic <\/em>excellence, represents the highest standards of ethical, intellectual, and professional excellence, aiming to serve the broader Muslim community, or the Ummah<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>or anti-tawhidic <\/em>ways of thinking. He pointed out that when an individual adopts a tawhidic <\/em>mind, they align their actions with the oneness of God, fostering unity, compassion, and ethical behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing a connection between the university\u2019s core values and tawhidic <\/em>epistemology, Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman noted that even the IIUM song carries the message of leading the way and leading the world\u2014principles that tie into tawhidic <\/em>epistemology as a path toward achieving ummatic <\/em>excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTawhidic <\/em>epistemology produces us as individuals, as academics, as students, as scholars, that hopefully\u00a0will\u00a0lead\u00a0us\u00a0to\u00a0having\u00a0a\u00a0tawhidic\u00a0<\/em>mind,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0said.\u00a0\u201cTawhidic\u00a0<\/em>epistemology\u00a0means\u00a0unity, so the tawhidic <\/em>mind loves the idea of unity,\u201d\u00a0he\u00a0further\u00a0explained.\u00a0This\u00a0unity\u00a0is\u00a0integral\u00a0to\u00a0how IIUM envisions its role in the development of its students and the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman also shared a visual framework detailing IIUM\u2019s strategic direction. There were two primary goals: first, to popularize tawhidic <\/em>epistemology as an enduring guide to learning, research, and the balanced development of the curriculum; and second, to pursue ummatic <\/em>excellence as the ultimate aim of holistic campus development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>epistemology would guide IIUM\u2019s path toward ummatic <\/em>excellence, benefiting both the institution and the wider community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida and Communication students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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IIUM Rector answering questions of Communication students.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen 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 <\/em>epistemology. He concluded that unity is a powerful driver of ummatic <\/em>excellence, as it fosters a society committed to collective well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/em>epistemology in shaping IIUM\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The audience left the hall with renewed understanding of the university\u2019s direction and the importance of embracing tawhidic <\/em>epistemology in the journey towards ummatic <\/em>excellence.***<\/gwmw><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/gwmw><\/gwmw><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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