EMBRACING HIJRAH 1448: A DAWN OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL, REFLECTION, AND RESILIENCE

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Dear ISTAC Community and global viewers,

As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of the Islamic New Year, 1448 Hijrah, the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM) extends its warmest greetings and blessings to our global community, scholars, students, and seekers of truth.

The Hijrah is not merely a historical migration frozen in the annals of the 7th century; it is an eternal, dynamic template for human transformation. It represents the perpetual movement from darkness into light, from stagnation into purpose, and from the narrowness of the ego into the vastness of Divine devotion. In an era defined by an increasingly complex, fragmented, and rapidly changing global reality, the lessons of the Hijrah speak directly to our contemporary predicament.

As we cross this threshold into 1448H, let us anchor our collective journey on three vital pillars:

• The Fortification of Faith (Iman): Our world faces unprecedented intellectual and moral crises. To navigate these turbulent waters, we must consciously strengthen our faith. True intellectual pursuit, as championed by ISTAC, is inseparable from a deeply rooted spiritual certainty.
• Spiritual Renewal and Contemplation (Tafakkur): We are called to look outward at the cosmos and inward at our souls. By enhancing our reflection on God’s magnificent creation, we awaken a higher level of appreciation for His Divine gifts. In every law of nature, every historical cycle, and every nuance of human civilization, there are signs for those who reflect (Ulu al-Albab).
• Unity and Brotherhood (Ukhuwwah): The original Hijrah succeeded because it bound the hearts of the Muhajirun and the Ansar in a bond stronger than blood. Today, in the face of global fragmentation, we must renew our commitment to unity, mutual respect, and collaborative development.

In the Qur’an, Allah SWT says, “Verily, God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:11). Let this year be a conscious Hijrah of the intellect and the spirit. Let us migrate away from discord toward harmony, away from complacency toward rigorous scholarship, and away from indifference toward a profound, proactive empathy for humanity.

As an institution dedicated to the renewal of Islamic thought and the flourishing of civilisation, ISTAC-IIUM remains committed to being a beacon of light in these challenging times. We invite you to join us in this ongoing quest for knowledge that elevates the soul and builds a more just, compassionate world.

May Almighty Allah bless this year with peace, illuminate our minds with wisdom, heal our fractured world, and accept our humble efforts in His service.

Selamat Menyambut Awal Muharram (Ma’al Hijrah) 1448H.

Wa al-Salam ‘Alaykum wr. wb.

PROFESSOR DR.HAZIZAN MD. NOON
Dean, ISTAC-IIUM

1 Muharram 1448H/ 17 June 2026