New Delhi: Dr. Mohammed Rizwan, Director of Centre for Study and Research (CSR), recently completed a week-long academic visit to Malaysia, engaging with prestigious institutions, including International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). During his visit, he emphasised the establishment of non-Eurocentric think tanks across the Muslim world.
Dr. Rizwan’s trip centred on fostering collaborations in four key domains: Researcher Exchange Programmes, Collaborative Academic Events, Joint Research Publications, and Joint Book Publications under the banner of BIT (IIUM’s official publishers).
Through formal and informal interactions with heads of institutions, faculty, researchers, and students, Dr. Rizwan explored opportunities to align mutual goals.
At IIUM, Dr. Rizwan delivered a thought-provoking talk on redefining think tanks through an Islamic lens. He described them as intellectual collectives addressing contemporary and civilizational challenges, grounded in Wahi (revealed knowledge) and ‘Aql (human reason) to achieve the objectives of Islamic law (Maqasid al-Shariah). Dr. Rizwan emphasised that Islamic think tanks must incorporate spiritual transcendence, a dimension often absent in Eurocentric frameworks.
Dr. Rizwan highlighted the urgent need for think tanks to counter the socio-political marginalisation of Indian Muslims. He stressed the importance of using data-driven narratives for policy advocacy and showcasing the historical and cultural contributions of Indian Muslims.
“Think tanks should not merely chronicle issues but celebrate the rich legacy of Indian Muslims in shaping the country’s history and culture,” he noted.
During his visit, Dr. Rizwan met with IIUM Rector, Prof. Osman Bakar, a prominent scholar in Islamisation of knowledge, and extended an invitation to deliver a memorial lecture in India. Deputy Rector, Prof. Aslam Haneef, expressed keen interest in CSR’s activities and pledged support.
He also engaged with Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin, Advisor to Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, on potential collaborations. Prof. Fauzan encouraged CSR to register as an official collaborator with IIIT headquarters in the U.S.
Dr. Rizwan met with IKIM Chairman, Prof. Datuk Dr. Muhammad Nur Manuty, who welcomed CSR’s initiatives and agreed to formalise collaboration through an MoU. Discussions revolved around promoting public understanding of Islam and evolving Islam-inspired frameworks.
He held talks with IAIS Chairman, Prof. Dr. Maszlee Malik, and CEO, Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi. The discussions focused on addressing global challenges through an Islamic perspective. Both sides expressed interest in co-authoring research on Islamic governance, ethics, and science. IAIS shared insights into their ongoing projects and expressed readiness to collaborate on thematic seminars and conferences.
