Her Royal Highness The Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Binthi Al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, Constitutional Head of International Islamic University Malaysia,
Honourable Minister of Health of Malaysia,
Honourable Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia,
Honourable President of the IIUM,
Rector of the IIUM,
Deans of Faculties,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with deep gratitude that I accept the Honorary Doctorate Degree conferred upon me by the Esteemed International Islamic University Malaysia, a globally renowned institution for Islamic education, scientific research and excellence.
This honour is not merely a personal accolade, but a recognition of our shared commitment to advancing the intellectual and developmental legacy of Islamic civilization.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership, faculty, and students of this esteemed institution for your warm and gracious honour and welcome.
I am especially grateful to the University for its steadfast commitment to nurturing future generations of our beloved Islamic Ummah; through a modern Islamic lens—deeply rooted in our faith, our values, and our rich civilizational heritage. I commend the university’s leadership, management, and educators for their dedication to preserving and advancing Islamic knowledge in this rapidly evolving world.
The brotherly bond between the Maldives and Malaysia is one built on the unshakeable foundation of Islamic solidarity. It is a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and centuries of cultural and religious affinity. Malaysia is second home to many Maldivians who contribute to its development, and often a preferred education and holiday destination.
This University, with its enduring connection to Maldivian students is a shining symbol of this enduring relationship, many of those students have gone on to serve the development of our nation. I firmly believe that IIUM can play a transformative role in supporting the growth and excellence of the Islamic University of Maldives.
Distinguished Guests, My Brothers and Sisters,
Today, I speak not only to honour our past but to ignite a vision for our collective future.
My theme —“The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Development of Islamic Civilization”—is both a tribute and a challenge: a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of our scholars and visionaries, and a challenge to ourselves—to reignite the flame of inquiry, creativity, and progress that once illuminated the world.
Islamic civilization has long stood as a beacon of knowledge, discovery, and advancement. From the libraries of Baghdad to the observatories of Samarkand, from the medical schools of Cairo to the architectural wonders of Andalusia—our heritage was founded on inquiry, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Golden Age of Islam—from the 8th to the 14th century—was not just an era of prosperity. It was a time when the Muslim world led the globe in science, philosophy, medicine, engineering, and ethics. It was a time when faith and reason walked hand in hand, and the pursuit of knowledge was not only encouraged—it was a sacred duty, an act of worship.
As I stand before you today, I am reminded of the central role that knowledge, intellect, peace, and civilization play in Islam.
Islam is not merely a faith; it is a complete and balanced way of life. It elevates the human condition, advances moral and social progress, and builds the foundations of just and prosperous societies.
Islamic civilization has never been insular. Its contributions transcends faith and geography—uplifting humanity, safeguarding dignity, and advancing rights. Its enshrined knowledge as a virtue and honoured scholars as the torchbearers of truth.
In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 9, Allah (SWT) says:
“Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ None will be mindful except those with understanding.”
And in Surah Al-Mujādila, verse 11:
“Allah will raise those of you who have believed and those who were given knowledge, in degrees. And Allah is fully aware of what you do.”
These verses illuminate the high esteem in which Islam holds knowledge and the learned.
Distinguished Guests, My Brothers and Sisters,
Islam transcends the bounds of mere spirituality. It offers a comprehensive system—an ethical compass and a curriculum for human perfection.
It is a religion that gave rise to civil structures, developed world-class institutions, and inspired generations across continents.
Each prophet—starting from Adam to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—was sent to guide humanity not only spiritually, but intellectually, morally, and socially.
Their mission was one of enlightenment and upliftment.
From the Rashidun Caliphate to the Abbasid and Ottoman Empires, from the intellectual brilliance of Andalusia to the architectural majesty of the Islamic East—each chapter of our civilization has been inscribed in golden letters in the annals of human history.
Muslim scholars pioneered groundbreaking work in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, chemistry, engineering, and the social sciences. They laid the foundation of the modern scientific methods, centuries before the Enlightenment. The names of Jabir ibn Hayyan, Ibn Sina, Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Biruni, Ibn Rushd, and Al-Idrisi still echo across time as titans of human knowledge.
They have left a lasting mark in the scientific heritage of Islamic civilization, illuminating the path of progress. These advancements, deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam, reflect the high esteem placed on knowledge and intellectual growth within the Ummah.
Throughout history, Muslim societies not only nurtured knowledge but also invested in the infrastructure that sustained it—magnificent mosques, libraries, hospitals, universities, roads, aqueducts, and public baths that elevated the quality of life and fostered thriving communities.
These were not just feats of engineering—they were expressions of faith, service, and vision. As we look ahead, we must draw inspiration from this legacy to design and build infrastructure that is smart, sustainable, and inclusive—serving the needs of our people and reflecting the values of justice, compassion, and excellence that Islam upholds.
These achievements were not abstract; they improved lives, built cities, and advanced justice and understanding. Our ancestors knew that pen could be mightier than the sword—and they wielded it with brilliance.
But now, as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century—marked by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration—we must ask ourselves:
Are we honoring the intellectual legacy we’ve inherited?
Are we producing knowledge or merely consuming it?
Are we bold enough to lead again?
Too often, the answer is sobering.
Political instability, colonial legacies, educational decline, and underinvestment in research have weakened our collective standing. In many parts of the Muslim world, we see a disconnection from the intellectual fervor that once defined us.
But this is not our fate—it is a call to action.
We must remember that the world’s first university—Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco—was founded by a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihri.
We must recall that the preservation and translation of Greek and Roman texts, led by Muslim scholars, saved centuries of knowledge and laid the groundwork for the European Renaissance.
If we are to spark a new renaissance, we must act—boldly and decisively—on three fronts:
First, Cultivate a Love for Knowledge in Our Youth.
“Iqra”—Read!
This was the first command revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a divine reminder that knowledge is at the heart of our identity.
• We must invest in world-class universities, research centers, and digital platforms—grounded in Islamic values and driven by curiosity.
• We must reawaken pride in our intellectual heritage and pair it with cutting-edge education in STEM and humanities.
• We must create safe, inclusive learning environments that celebrate our past and fuel our children’s ambitions.
And let us celebrate our modern scholars and scientists—Muslims who are today advancing cancer research, AI innovation, and climate technology. Let them be our new role models—faithful, fearless, and forward-thinking.
Second, Bridge Faith and Modernity
The Qur’an tells us:
“And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth—all from Him. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (45:13)
Islam never placed limits on learning—it married revelation with reason. We must reject the false narrative that science and faith are incompatible. In fact, we must lead the way in ensuring that modern technologies—be it genetic engineering, AI, or climate solutions—are guided by ethics, equity, and compassion.
Let us embrace both the microscope and the minbar, the laboratory and the library, the telescope and the tasbih.
Third, Strengthen Cooperation Among Muslim Nations
The future cannot be built in silos.
• Let us establish cross-border research hubs, innovation incubators, and collaborative platforms among Muslim nations.
• Platforms like OIC must take a leading role in shaping global policy in science, sustainability, and ethics.
• Let institutions like IIUM become beacons—producing scholars who are not only intellectually rigorous but spiritually anchored.
Distinguished Guests, My Brothers & Sisters,
Today, the Ummah is divided not just by borders, but by mistrust, ignorance, and pain.
We cannot speak of intellectual rebirth without acknowledging the immense suffering faced by our brothers and sisters, particularly in Palestine, where innocent lives are destroyed by occupation and injustice.
Their suffering is a scar on our collective conscience. Their struggle to survive must not overshadow their right to thrive.
I have always, and will always, unequivocally condemn the aggression and occupation imposed by Israel—an affront to international law and a stain on humanity.
It is our duty to stand in solidarity—not only in protest but in purpose.
We must build a world where every Muslim child, whether in Gaza or Kuala Lumpur, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
And we must show the world that Islam is a religion of peace, compassion, knowledge, and justice.
Distinguished Guests, My brothers and sisters,
Our story is not one of decline—it is one of resurgence.
The next great discoveries in medicine, clean energy, or quantum computing can and must come from the Muslim world.
For that to happen, we need courage. We need vision. But above all, we need unity of purpose.
Let us be guided by the words of the Qur’an:
And say: ‘O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.’ (Surah Taha, 20:114)
Let us not honor our legacy with nostalgia—but with ambition.
Let us build a future where our children do not look to others for answers, but lead the world in knowledge, compassion, and justice.
May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and guide us in this noble journey.
Before I conclude, allow me to express my deepest appreciation to the International Islamic University Malaysia for your unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the shaping of future generations.
May your noble efforts continue to thrive.
Let us join hands—as brothers and sisters in faith and in humanity—to uplift the Ummah, to revive our intellectual tradition, and to illuminate the world once again with the light of Islamic wisdom.