Within the framework of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy’s (IIFA) endeavor to make the most of the distinguished scientific expertise that abounds in universities, institutes, and high-end scientific and intellectual centers inside and outside the Muslim world, and with a desire to strengthen the relationship between the Academy and prestigious research institutions within the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, and His Excellency Prof. Tan Sri Zulkifli Abdul Razzaq, Rector of the International Islamic University in Malaysia (IIUM), signed on Thursday 27 Muharram 1444H, corresponding to 25 August 2022G, a memorandum of understanding in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This agreement, the first of its kind between this famous university in the islands of the Malay Archipelago, aims to build a solid strategic partnership between the two institutions in various fields of common interest, especially in the field of benefiting from the scientific and research capabilities and abilities of the two institutions, joint study of calamities and contemporary issues, exchanging scientific visits, and promoting coordination and cooperation efforts in the field of consolidating and spreading the culture of moderation, tolerance and coexistence in scientific institutions and bodies. The agreement also aims to enable the two institutions to jointly organize conferences and symposiums, hold workshops and training, exchange publications, and represent the two sides at conferences and symposia held by each of them in the field of common interest between them.

The signing ceremony began with a welcoming speech by His Excellency the Rector of the University, who expressed his “..thanks and deep appreciation to His Excellency the Secretary General of the Academy for visiting this university, of which he was a member and active participant in its advancement and development, noting that His Excellency’s presence today on this occasion is a confirmation of his appreciation and affection for his university in which he taught, and participated in graduating a distinguished generation during his years of work there as a great and capable professor”. He also expressed “… his utmost gratitude to His Excellency for his precious confidence in the IIUM in terms of leadership and direction, as it is almost the only global university that seeks through its programs and activities to qualify a generation of graduates who are capable of making the true Islamic religion a mercy to the worlds, and capable of carrying out the duty of the legitimate rooting of sciences and achieving integration between religious and human sciences”, stressing in the meantime that “the university will spare no effort in harnessing all capabilities in order to ensure the success of this agreement, and to activate its provisions to build an exemplary strategic partnership between the university and the Academy, which enjoys a distinguished scientific position and a great international reputation inside and outside the OIC’s member states.” His Excellency concluded by expressing his aspiration to start implementing the terms of this agreement as soon as possible.

For his part, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his great happiness and honor to sign this important agreement with a reputable scientific institution that is considered one of the most prominent and most successful universities in Southeast Asia in general, and in Malaysia in particular, noting the clear pioneering role played by the university in providing a unique and successful model of quality Islamic education that combines authenticity and modernity, with its students’ mastery of religious and worldly sciences, which made its graduates assume leadership and pioneering positions in their societies inside and outside the Muslim world, as well as making them a model of moderation and peace. His Excellency also expressed his aspiration for the participation of many prominent male and female researchers of this university in the upcoming sessions, symposiums and conferences of the Academy, to highlight the ability of Islam to solve the problems of the times, direct calamities, and confirm the validity of the teachings of Islam for every time and place by offering a moderate presentation characterized by inclusivity, flexibility, and realism. He concluded by expressing his gratitude and great appreciation to the university management for providing the opportunity for Fiqh, scientific and applied education for Muslim youth, stressing the Academy’s full readiness to make this agreement a model for close cooperation between the two institutions in various fields.

The signing ceremony took place at the university’s Senate hall in the Gombak Valley, located in the suburb of Kuala Lumpur, the university’s headquarters, and was attended by the university’s vice rector for academic affairs and student affairs, and the deans of some of the university’s faculties.

It should be noted that His Excellency the Secretary General has previously taught at this university for sixteen (16) years, supervised dozens of master’s and doctoral theses, served as founding director of the Global Institute for the Unity of the Ummah, the first Vice Rector for External Relations and Innovations, and was granted by His Majesty the late Sultan Ahmed Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, the former King of Malaysia, the “Dato” royal decoration in recognition of his efforts in the field of education in Malaysia.