This article reflects the outcome of a recent discussion by my group on the need to refine the academic framework at IIUM. While the central ideas and framework stem from collective discourse, this article expands on the ideas discussed and provides a more detailed vision for implementation. IIUM has always been committed to enhancing the dynamic and progressive role of the ummah. However, the challenges of a rapidly changing world demand a recalibration of our academic framework to prepare the ummah for an unpredictable and volatile future.
From these discussions, the Knowledge for Change and Advancement (KCA) office proposed a new framework called TEACH—Tawhidic Epistemology Acquisition for Comprehensive Holistic Education. TEACH is not just a philosophy but a call to action, ensuring that IIUM’s educational vision aligns with the outcomes of KHAIR—Khalifah, Amanah, Iqra, and Rahmatan lil ’Alamin.
This framework is deeply rooted in Tawhid, the testament of the oneness of Allah, which serves as the foundation for all aspects of knowledge and education. It emphasises the divine purpose of knowledge and the moral responsibility of the ummah to utilise knowledge for the benefit of humanity and the preservation of the universe.
The Challenges of the Future
The world is facing unprecedented challenges: technological disruption, climate change, socio-political instability, and widening inequalities. These uncertainties demand a transformative approach to education—one that equips graduates with not only technical knowledge but also the resilience, critical thinking, and values-driven grounding needed to navigate a volatile world.
IIUM, through TEACH, seeks to prepare the ummah for this future by creating a framework that addresses the shortcomings of fragmented education systems while empowering students and faculty to act with purpose, compassion, and responsibility. TEACH is not about keeping pace with the modern world; it is about fulfilling IIUM’s vision to enhance the dynamic and progressive role of the ummah and prepare its community to lead with integrity and faith in an unpredictable future.
TEACH: Five Core Characteristics
The TEACH framework is designed around five essential characteristics, each deeply aligned with the principles of Tawhid and the outcomes of KHAIR.
1. Purposeful
At the heart of TEACH is the conviction that knowledge must serve a higher purpose. Education is not pursued for its own sake but as a means to fulfil the divine objectives of benefiting humanity, preserving the environment, and ensuring accountability to Allah.
• Key Actions: Embed purpose-driven learning objectives in all courses. Redesign curricula to reflect maqasid al-shariah (higher objectives of Islamic law) and encourage students to connect their learning to real-world challenges.
• Alignment with KHAIR: Purposeful education supports Khalifah by guiding students to lead responsibly, Iqra by emphasising meaningful learning, and Rahmatan lil ’Alamin by ensuring that outcomes benefit all creation.
2. Universal
TEACH transcends disciplinary and cultural boundaries, promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and a global perspective. This universality reflects the interconnectedness of creation and the unity of the Creator.
• Key Actions: Introduce interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary modules addressing global issues like sustainability, climate change, and health equity. Strengthen international partnerships for research and student exchange programmes.
• Alignment with KHAIR: Universality enhances Rahmatan lil ’Alamin by promoting harmony and equity, while supporting Khalifah through broad leadership and problem-solving perspectives.
3. Integrated
A core feature of TEACH is its commitment to harmonising revealed knowledge (naqli) with rational knowledge (aqli). This integration avoids the fragmentation common in modern education systems, ensuring that faith and reason complement each other.
• Key Actions: Develop modules that integrate Islamic principles with modern disciplines, such as Islamic Ethics in Artificial Intelligence or Maqasid al-Shariah in Public Health. Train faculty to deliver integrated content effectively.
• Alignment with KHAIR: Integration strengthens Iqra by encouraging holistic understanding, enhances Amanah by fostering ethical application of knowledge, and supports Khalifah by equipping graduates to lead with balance and wisdom.
4. Values-Driven
TEACH emphasises the importance of values, ensuring that education aligns with principles of justice, accountability, and the maqasid al-shariah. By placing values at the core of education, the framework cultivates moral integrity in all aspects of learning and practice.
• Key Actions: Establish values-based assessments in all programmes. Create university-wide values committees to guide research and innovation. Host annual competitions where students address real-world dilemmas through a values-driven lens.
• Alignment with KHAIR: A values-driven education embodies Amanah by ensuring responsible actions and supports Rahmatan lil ’Alamin by promoting justice and fairness.
5. Empowering
TEACH aims to empower individuals with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to fulfil their roles as khalifah. Empowerment is balanced with accountability, ensuring that graduates act with integrity and transparency.
• Key Actions: Launch leadership training programmes focusing on accountability and self-reliance. Introduce real-world apprenticeships and community engagement projects. Establish mentorship programmes pairing students with faculty or alumni.
• Alignment with KHAIR: Empowerment enhances Khalifah by developing confident leaders, strengthens Amanah by fostering responsibility, and supports Iqra by encouraging lifelong learning.
Process Monitoring
Process monitoring focuses on ensuring that TEACH is being implemented as planned. It tracks the key activities and milestones of the framework.
• Key Indicators:
• Percentage of courses redesigned to align with TEACH principles.
• Number of faculty members trained in Tawhidic epistemology and values-driven pedagogy.
• Participation rate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives.
• Engagement levels in leadership and community-focused activities.
• Monitoring Methods:
• Collect faculty reports on curriculum updates.
• Analyse student feedback on TEACH-aligned learning experiences.
• Maintain administrative records of training, workshops, and resources allocated to TEACH implementation.
• Tools for Visualisation:
• Create a TEACH Dashboard to track progress in real-time, displaying metrics such as revised courses, trained faculty, and community projects completed.
Impact Assessment
Impact assessment evaluates the effectiveness of TEACH in achieving its intended goals. It focuses on measuring the tangible outcomes of the framework.
• Key Outcome Indicators:
• Graduate Outcomes: Leadership roles, ethical behaviour, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills demonstrated by graduates.
• Community Impact: Positive contributions of student-led initiatives to sustainability, justice, and equity.
• Student Development: Improvements in students’ ability to integrate naqli and aqli knowledge, and demonstrate critical thinking.
• Assessment Tools:
• Surveys: Gather feedback from students, alumni, and employers on the relevance and impact of TEACH principles.
• Rubrics: Evaluate leadership, values-driven actions, and interdisciplinary competencies in student projects.
• Case Studies: Document successful initiatives showcasing TEACH principles in practice.
• Longitudinal Tracking:
• Conduct long-term studies to track how TEACH principles influence alumni careers and societal contributions.
Conclusion
TEACH represents IIUM’s commitment to reimagining education as a transformative force that prepares the ummah for an uncertain future. Rooted in Tawhid, it aligns every aspect of learning with divine objectives, ensuring that knowledge serves humanity and the Creator.
This framework is not just a vision—it is a call to action. By embedding the principles of Purposeful, Universal, Integrated, Values-Driven, and Empowering education into IIUM’s system, TEACH equips graduates to navigate the challenges of tomorrow with faith, resilience, and compassion.
As we implement TEACH, let us move beyond words to actions, ensuring that IIUM continues to fulfil its mission of nurturing the dynamic and progressive role of the ummah, preparing it for both the seen and the unseen challenges of the future.