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The History of ISTAC
The history of ISTAC unfolds as a deliberate and reflective endeavour to restore the rightful place of knowledge within the Islamic intellectual tradition, inspired by the intellectual vision of Royal Laureate Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas.
29 September 1987
The Majlis approved the establishment of ISTAC as a centre dedicated to rearticulating the primacy of Islam across all fields of knowledge. Conceived under the leadership and vision of Royal Laureate Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, the Institute was not merely intended as another academic entity, but as a space where knowledge would be re-grounded in its proper metaphysical and ethical foundations.
1989
ISTAC was administered as an autonomous entity under its own Rules and Regulations, shaping a distinct scholarly identity rooted in the integration of knowledge and adab.
16 August 2002
The Majlis integrated ISTAC as a kulliyyah within IIUM, situating it within the broader university structure while preserving its specialised role in postgraduate education.
25 February 2015
ISTAC's academic programmes were transferred to KIRKHS, involving the careful relocation of academic resources, staff, and institutional memory to ensure continuity.
26 October 2017
The Institute was rearticulated as the International Institute of Islamic Civilisation and the Malay World, reflecting an expanded engagement with regional intellectual and cultural heritage.
17 May 2019
The Board of Governors restored the Institute's original name, reaffirming its foundational orientation towards Islamic thought and civilisation as a living and enduring tradition.
Vision
To be a world-leading international centre of Islamic learning, research and community engagement in Islamic thought, civilisation and Malay world studies.
Mission
To nurture a breed of dedicated scholars who are multidisciplinary and exemplify sound knowledge, wisdom and the virtues of Islamic civilisation and its worldview for the benefit of the ummah and humanity.
Objectives
  • Advancing the cause of the renewal of Islamic thought and civilisation for global relevance.
  • Nurturing quality, value-driven scholars and graduates for balanced civilisational development.
  • Positioning ISTAC-IIUM as a leading centre of transformation, knowledge creation, and application for sustainable societal development.
  • Championing responsible, integrated research across inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary approaches.
  • Advancing studies in Islamic civilisation within the Malay world.
  • Leading in integrated spiritual, cultural, and civilisational niche areas.
PROFESSOR DR HAZIZAN MD. NOON Dean, ISTAC-IIUM 1 Muharram 1448H / 17 June 2026

PROFESSOR DR HAZIZAN MD. NOON

Dean, ISTAC-IIUM
1 Muharram 1448H / 17 June 2026

DEAN’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE ISLAMIC NEW YEAR 1448H

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 seventh 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 civilisation, 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 both 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 contributes to building a more just and 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 wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

PROFESSOR DR HAZIZAN MD. NOON

Dean, ISTAC-IIUM

1 Muharram 1448H / 17 June 2026