In Leading the Way through Tawhidic Epistemology, Leading the World for Ummatic Excellence, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s return to IIUM reaffirms the university’s core mission of integrating revealed and acquired knowledge. He challenges students and faculty to embrace the Tawhidic paradigm—pursuing education that nurtures wisdom, justice, and ethical leadership. The article highlights IIUM’s role in shaping inclusive, principled leaders committed to serving the global ummah with integrity and excellence.

In a homecoming that was both inspiring and deeply symbolic, the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, returned to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), a place he described as where he truly feels at home. His visit reaffirmed not only his long-standing association with IIUM but also his enduring vision for the University and for Islamic higher education globally.

In his welcome address, the Rector of IIUM, Emeritus Professor Dato’ Dr Osman Bakar, reminded the audience that IIUM is a unique institution. It is a microcosm of the Muslim ummah where students from across Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority communities converge in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. This global character, he said, makes IIUM a critical hub for nurturing future leaders who embody Islamic values and exemplify universal excellence.

Professor Osman emphasized Dato’ Seri Anwar’s integral role in the foundation and early development of IIUM. As one of the University's founding figures, its second President (1988–1998), and a former Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, and Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar was pivotal in shaping IIUM’s identity and mission. Long before the university’s establishment in 1983, he had already championed the idea of an Islamic university in Malaysia.

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim had communicated the idea of Islamic University, as early as 1970 in a letter to the then Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. In that letter, he echoed the resolutions of the 1966 Kongres Pembangunan Islam Malaysia, organized by PKPIM at Universiti Malaya, which called for the formation of a task force to conceptualize and implement a distinctively Islamic higher learning institution.

This historical insight affirms that IIUM was never just another university. It was envisioned to be the institution that leads through the Tawhidic paradigm, an agenda that places integration of revealed knowledge and acquired sciences. The University was envisioned  to be the intellectual engine, driving towards ummatic excellence. In this spirit, the Rector reaffirmed the University’s commitment to stay true to its foundational mission, even as it adapts to changing circumstances. He acknowledged current challenges, including the need to rejuvenate the intellectual and physical ecosystem, but stressed that

“knowledge activities and intellectual creativity must go on, regardless of whether it is living in material poverty or prosperity.”

In his address, Dato’ Seri Anwar posed a fundamental question to all members of the IIUM community: “Why are you here?” The question challenges students, academics, administrators, and alumni alike to reflect on their purpose in this university. He cautioned that not all information, especially from social media, computers, or AI constitutes knowledge, and not all knowledge becomes wisdom. The challenge of higher education, he stressed, lies in guiding students to differentiate between right and wrong, to develop the intellectual and moral discernment that is the hallmark of Islamic wisdom.

According to Dato’ Seri Anwar, the true value of education is not merely in the acquisition of facts, but in the cultivation of a principled mind and a just soul. He underscores the importance of acquiring knowledge and wisdom so as to disseminate truth and justice.

This, he believes, is a central struggle not only in Malaysia but across the Muslim world. It is a struggle compounded by trust deficits in democratic systems, systemic corruption, and policy-making that caters to elite interests over public good. He called for education systems that produce graduates with a profound sense of accountability, ethical integrity, and spiritual purpose.

He reminded the audience that Islam is not a narrow ritualistic faith, but a complete way of life. It is not confined to salah and zakat, but encompasses peace, justice, and human dignity. As such, the mission of IIUM is not to breed narrow-minded, insular thinkers or intolerant ideologues, but to foster students and scholars who are articulate, knowledgeable, inclusive, and wise. They are the individuals who promote mercy and understanding, not hatred or division.

Dato’ Seri Anwar urged students to fully utilize the learning environment, to immerse themselves in reading, reflection, and critical engagement. He encouraged them to memorize the Qur’an, study Hadith, and simultaneously excel in modern disciplines, ranging from AI and digital technologies to liberal arts and Shariah. He reminded the students that they are privileged to be in a unique intellectual ecosystem that integrates Islamic and worldly knowledge. He encouraged students to use their time meaningfully and responsibly.

He also warned against the misuse of social media, particularly for spreading disinformation or promoting hatred under the guise of religiosity or ethnic pride. As a proud Malay, he said, he appreciates the rich cultural heritage of the Malays, rooted in values of tolerance and respect for diversity instead of racism or chauvinism. He also reminded that Islam is the religion of the Federation, but the nation comprises a significant number of non-Muslim population. Thus, true Islamic leadership must promote rahmah lil ‘alamin, radiating mercy for all creation.

IIUM, in this context, is tasked to remain as the most tolerant and respectful university. IIUM is to nurture students who not only excel academically but embody justice, peace, and coexistence. Dato’ Seri Anwar underscored the importance of avoiding extremism and any action that sows disharmony, especially among vulnerable or conflict-affected communities. He praised IIUM’s efforts in this regard, including the recent initiative to launch the AbuSulayman International Student Fund, which aims to support deserving students from minority and conflict zones.

Dato’ Seri Anwar’s address was a call to action and a reminder that IIUM’s foundation was built on the lofty ideals of truth, justice, knowledge, and dignity. These values must continue to guide the university’s trajectory, ensuring that it remains a centre of thought leadership for the ummah and for humanity at large.

As we move forward, let us all, from students, staff, scholars, and alumni embrace our shared responsibility to lead the way through Tawhidic epistemology, and to lead the world for ummatic excellence. Indeed, may IIUM remain steadfast on this noble path, insha’ Allah.

Shukran Abd Rahman is a professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology in the Department of Psychology, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. His research areas include career development, change and development of higher education institution, organizational behavior, academic culture, and employability of students in higher learning institutions.