President urges Islamic world to unite for academic progress

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today called on the global Islamic community to work together for academic advancement and competence.

His remarks were made in his keynote lecture titled “Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Development of Islamic Civilisation,” at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) after he was conferred an honorary doctorate in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development.

The president opened his speech by expressing pride in the many Maldivian graduates of IIUM who are now serving the nation. He also touched on the potential to expand the Islamic University of Maldives with the help of IIUM.

In his speech, he called for the revival of the Muslim world’s scientific heritage—paying tribute to past achievements while inspiring a shared vision for the future.

He also reflected on the Islamic Golden Age, recalling the era when Islamic civilisation was at the forefront of global knowledge and innovation.

President Muizzu went onto emphasise that the pursuit of knowledge was once seen as a sacred duty, supported by a thriving network of mosques, libraries, hospitals, and universities.

He said a modern intellectual renaissance could be sparked by investing in world-class universities, research institutions, and digital platforms, and challenged the misconception that science and faith are in conflict, asserting their harmony as a foundation for progress.

Highlighting the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, clean energy, and quantum computing, President Muizzu emphasised that ambition and resolve are essential to honouring the legacy of Islamic civilisation.

He also stressed the importance of fostering collaborations among Muslim nations and called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play a proactive role in global policy dialogue on science, sustainability, and ethics.

Addressing the Islamic world's suffering, President Muizzu condemned Israel's genocide against the people of Palestine and expressed solidarity with those affected.