Introduction Modern democracies increasingly face a paradox. Leaders are elected through popular vote, yet popularity does not reliably translate into improved communities, functional cities, or stronger nations. Charismatic figures may win elections, dominate public discourse, and command loyal followings, but their tenure often leaves institutions weakened and public trust diminished. This tension forces a difficult…
All posts in Thoughts
Artificial Intelligence and the Purpose of Knowledge
As someone who works in education, I often think about how AI is changing the way we learn and teach. Artificial intelligence has become part of our daily routine, from helping us write to generating art or analysing data. It makes things faster and more convenient, but I sometimes wonder if it also makes us…
Planetary Health Through an Islamic Lens
We live in the Anthropocene, an era defined by human impact on the planet. From greenhouse gases altering the climate to plastics filling our oceans, the footprint of humankind is everywhere. While this age is often spoken of with despair, Islam offers a way of looking at the world that can transform how we live…
Medicine with a Soul: A Journey of Competence, Compassion, and Conscience
Speech to the MBBS Graduates of the Kulliyyah of Medicine, IIUM 2025 My dear graduates, Today is a moment of deep significance — not just for you and your families, but for all of us at the Kulliyyah of Medicine. We come together to celebrate your journey, your sacrifices, and your growth. But more than…
Tawhidic Epistemology and the Islamisation of Knowledge in Medical Education
Introduction The modern university, especially in the fields of science and medicine, often functions within a paradigm that disconnects knowledge from values, science from ethics, and intellect from faith. This fragmented epistemology, rooted in secular modernity, results in professionals who are technically proficient but morally and spiritually unmoored. In the Muslim world, this disjunction has…
Good and Evil of AI in Medicine: Where Is the Boundary?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and population health management. However, with its promise comes a risk of harm, particularly when AI systems are poorly designed, implemented without appropriate safeguards, or driven by commercial interests at the expense of public good. This paper…
The Amanah of Leadership
“I have been appointed over you, though I am not the best.”These words echo in my head.This is not my right.This is not my reward.This is amanah.A trust. Leadership is not glory.It is responsibility.It is duty.It is sacrifice.It is service. I am here, try to inspire.To build.To nurture.To lift others higher.To create leaders who will…
Planetary Health in Medical Curricula
Abstract Planetary Health is an emerging interdisciplinary field that recognises the deep interconnection between human health and the health of the Earth’s natural systems. Coined by the Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission in 2015, it expands the focus of health beyond traditional biomedical and social determinants to include ecological boundaries and environmental integrity. In this presentation, we…
To the One Who Walks After Me – A Reminder from a Lonely Shepherd
Dear successor, take this post with honour in your stride,But know this seat holds not just title, it bears the weight inside.You will walk between the mountain peaks and valleys deep and wide,A shepherd of a scattered flock, with few to walk beside. They will speak of vision, grand and vast, of goals that must…
Sang Tabib Yang Setia
Wahai anak muda yang berjiwa mulia, Jadilah engkau tabib yang setia, Bukan kerana mahkota dunia, Bukan kerana kemewahan yang fana. Langkahkan kaki di jalan derita, Jangan mengharap hamparan permata, Berjalanlah dalam sabar dan duka, Kerana syurga itu mahal harganya. Tidur malam pendek dan resah, Bangkit siang penuh lelah, Demi satu senyuman yang pulih megah, Demi…