Kamal Hassan: His Views on The Islamization of Knowledge and Contributions to IIUM

Abstract

This article will examine Prof. Mohd Kamal Hassan’s significant contributions to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), with a focus on his visionary leadership in shaping the university’s identity as a leading center for Islamic higher education. As a strong supporter of the Islamization of knowledge, Kamal Hassan promoted the integration of Islamic thought with modern academic disciplines to encourage a more balanced and comprehensive approach to learning. This study aims to: (i) explore Kamal Hassan’s intellectual ideas and how they were applied at IIUM, (ii) examine his influence on the university’s academic and institutional development, and (iii) understand the broader impact of his work on Islamic higher education. Using qualitative methods, the research is based on a detailed review of literature and analysis of Kamal Hassan’s writings and related institutional documents. The findings show that his ideas and leadership left a lasting impact on IIUM’s structure, goals, and global reputation, making it a model for Islamic universities around the world.