PATTANI, 15 Jan.2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Omar Osman, today called for institutions offering Islamic studies or other institutions of higher education to collaborate in combining a variety of disciplines in order to remain relevant and useful to the community.

“In this era of globalisation, Islamic studies cannot be isolated from the entire higher education but should also be seen in the perspective of a very close relationship with the realities, in particular the socio-economic and political events,” Omar said.

Clearly, Islamic studies need to develop holistic strength in new transdisciplinary areas, taking into account the concept of Islamic perspectives, the concepts, research methodology, the systems, and the society at large.

These five principles were revealed and explained through the presentation entitled "Islamic Pillarising Trans-Disciplined in Islamic Studies" at the two-day 2nd International Islamic Studies - Islamic Studies in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities which started yesterday, organised by the College of Islamic Studies, Prince of Songkla, Pattani Campus, Thailand.

According to Omar, Islamic studies should be developed from the Islamic perspective or based on Islamic epistemology. This is followed by the need to re-look at the Islamic context which showcased the west in realising transdisciplinary Islamic studies.

“The third point is that we look at research methodology should be made out of conventional methods. The fact is that transdisciplinary Islamic studies should emphasize on strengthening every system that exists in the context of Islam,” said Omar.

The fifth is, ultimately, these efforts must be able to rouse all Muslims.

In answering the participants’ questions on how to ensure that research on Islamic studies is recognized by the Sitasi International Index to ensure that the Islamic institutions of higher learning are positioned at international level, the Vice-Chancellor calls for more emphasis in ensuring that the field of study is always relevant and beneficial to Muslims as a whole.

“Research should be made in developing community in the future, to benefit the Muslims, have an impact and make it as a model of all time.

“It must always uphold the sanctity of the principles and values of Islam and for the interest and intent of this effort should be made clear when the desire arises to conduct an investigation,” he clarified.

He emphasised to the participants that the key is for Muslims, especially in universities and educational institutions, to be empowered in establishing their own values in the Islamic context and not only basing on the value system or those emphasised by the other parties.

Omar was later interviewed by reporters from satellite television Thailand White Channel pertaining his presentation. Text/Photo: Mohamad Abdullah /Translation: Yong Check Yoon