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On January 3, 2025, the Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, AHAS KIRKHS, in collaboration with Darul Huda Islamic University (DHIU), Kerala, India, organized a symposium titled "Roles and Goals of Integration of Knowledge in Muslim Minority Contexts" (SRGIK-2025). The event featured insightful presentations by distinguished speakers and an engaging Q&A session, providing valuable perspectives on the integration of knowledge in diverse contexts.

The symposium commenced with a Qur’anic recitation by Ashique Mangada, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Khairul Fahmi Bin Jamaludin, who served as the Emcee. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd. Fuad Sawari, Head of the Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, and Prof. Dr. Bahauddeen Muhammed Nadwi, Vice-Chancellor of Darul Huda Islamic University, delivered the opening addresses.

Their remarks emphasized the significance of integrating knowledge to promote education, empowerment, and positive global change. They highlighted that the benefits of such integration extend beyond specific communities, contributing to the betterment of humanity as a whole.

Dr. Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh, IIUM, moderated the symposium’s panel discussion, which featured several insightful presentations.

The first speaker, Professor Mohamed El-Tahir El-Mesawi (Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh), examined the dynamics and integration of knowledge in modern society, emphasizing the need to broaden its application across academic disciplines to promote holistic development. Following him, Professor Muhammad Mumtaz Ali (Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion) explored Educational Philosophy and Contemporary Challenges for Muslims, focusing on the relevance of integrating knowledge in a world dominated by secular and modernist educational systems. Both of them mentioned that integration is for intellectual empowerment and peaceful co-existance.

In another presentation, Associate Professor Radwan Jamal Elatrash (Department of Qur'an and Sunnah Studies) drew on the Qur’anic story of Moses and Al-Khidr to illustrate the interplay of faith and reason in Islamic thought, highlighting its critical role in addressing contemporary intellectual challenges. Meanwhile, Dr. Jafar Hudawi Paramboor, Assistant Professor at IIUM’s Kulliyyah of Education, presented on Darul Huda Islamic University. He detailed its models of integration and outcomes within the Indian Muslim minority context, showcasing its innovative methodologies and societal impact.

Dr. Jafar Paramboor also traced the roots of integration of knowledge in Indian Muslim educational traditions to 'Allama Shibli Nu'mani’s establishment of Darul Ulum Nadwah in 1893. Nu'mani advocated a balanced approach that bridged traditionalism and modernism, believing Muslims needed such an equilibrium to thrive. South India’s Darul Huda Islamic University adopted and advanced this model, evolving it from an academic framework into a movement. By harmonizing modern sciences with Islamic disciplines, Darul Huda equips its graduates to serve as:

• Intellectual resources, contributing to an ummatic vision.
• Lifelong da’is, embodying the spirit of a global Ummah.

The symposium fostered vibrant discussions, inspiring participants deeply. Ramees, an IIUM student attendee, shared, “This symposium was truly eye-opening. It was the most thought-provoking program I’ve attended on the role of integrating knowledge in our communities.”

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, leaving attendees enriched by the exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Debates, discussions, and critical thinking are essential tools for addressing society's evolving needs and challenges. Efforts should focus on crafting solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Integration of knowledge serves as a comprehensive solution and a promising path forward, offering a framework to navigate complexities and drive meaningful progress.

About Author:

Muhammed Noufal is pursuing his bachelor's degree in the Department of Civilization at Darul Huda Islamic University. As part of a student exchange program, he is currently undertaking a semester at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), specializing in the Department of Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion.