The Sultan of Brunei has urged Islamic scholars to find ways to enhance the status and quality of Islamic higher education institutions, especially in the face of global challenges.
In his speech at the opening of the International Conference of Islamic Universities (ICIU) 2023 at The Empire Brunei, Jerudong yesterday, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said he hoped that the conference would make a significant contribution to the global Islamic higher education institution ecosystem.
He also highlighted the long history and achievements of Islamic higher learning institutions, such as Al-Qarawiyyin University in Morocco and Al-Azhar University in Egypt, which have been the centers of knowledge and civilization since the 9th and 10th Centuries.
He said that these universities have produced many academicians and Islamic scholars who excelled in various fields such as medicine, mathematics, engineering and technology, while also being well-versed in the Quran and Islamic teachings.
He said that the education system adopted by these universities has remained relevant until today, as they have produced graduates who are great thinkers and aware of the global community.
He also expressed his hope that Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), which co-organized the conference with the Asian Islamic Universities Association (AIUA), would expand its curriculum to include fields such as agriculture, science and technology, which he said are the “pulse of life of the 21st Century”.
He said that UNISSA should not only focus on basic knowledge of Fardhu Ain but also meet the needs of Fardhu Kifayah.
He praised UNISSA for its efforts in collaborating with AIUA in organizing the ICIU 2023 as well as the 13th AIUA general meeting. – Lyna Mohamad.