PUTRAJAYA: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar was named the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah at the national-level Maal Hijrah 1448H/2026 celebration at Putra Mosque here on Wednesday (June 17).
At the same ceremony, renowned Islamic scholar from Morocco, Dr Ahmad Al-Raysuni, was honoured as the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah.
The awards were presented by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah. The recipients were presented with cash prizes, trophies and certificates of appreciation.
This year’s National Maal Hijrah celebration carried the theme "Madani Dihayati, Ummah Diberkati”, reflecting efforts to strengthen values of compassion, unity and community well-being.
Also attending the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and his wife Datin Ruziah Mohd Tahir, as well as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
The IIUM Rector described his selection as the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah as the highest recognition of his lifelong contributions to knowledge and education.
Osman, 80, who hails from Kampung Bukit Lada, Chenor in Pahang, said the recognition reflects more than five decades of dedication to advancing knowledge, shaping minds and contributing to intellectual development at both national and international levels.
"I have served in many universities locally and abroad, and this has been my jihad in the field of knowledge...a struggle to defend true knowledge and challenge false knowledge. That has been my responsibility throughout my 56 years in academia," he told a media conference after the ceremony.
The recipient of the Global Humanities Knowledge Award in December 2019 said his extensive academic experience had enabled him to share expertise across borders, mentor younger generations and contribute meaningfully to the growth of knowledge internationally.
According to Osman, the concept of jihad through knowledge extends beyond simply acquiring knowledge, encompassing efforts to discover new understanding, disseminate it to society and apply it for the benefit of people and nation-building.
"Throughout my years in higher education institutions, I have learned, pursued knowledge, shared it, spread it and applied that knowledge for the good of society," said the father of six and grandfather to four.
In conjunction with the Maal Hijrah celebration, he urged the public to appreciate the concept of hijrah in a broader and more meaningful context.
He said hijrah should not be understood solely as the physical migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Yathrib, but as a transformative process that turned Yathrib into Madinah, a civilisation built upon knowledge, justice and noble values.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Al-Raysuni, 73, said the recognition held deep significance and reflected Malaysia's continued commitment to upholding Islamic values through initiatives that honour individuals contributing to the development of the ummah.
"I am deeply grateful to the Malaysian government for this honour. In my view, Malaysia is among the Muslim countries that consistently organise programmes such as the Maal Hijrah celebration to elevate Islamic ideals and recognise contributions towards the progress of the Muslim community," he said.
Reflecting on his involvement across various fields over the past five decades, Ahmad said his contributions had spanned dakwah, welfare, social development and Islamic thought before focusing more extensively on academia over the last 20 years.
He said the decision to deepen his involvement in academic work was driven by his belief that knowledge remains the primary foundation for the advancement of the ummah and civilisation.
"Knowledge must come before words and actions. In the Islamic scholarly tradition, knowledge forms the foundation for every form of development and societal transformation," he said.
Ahmad also encouraged Muslims to use the Maal Hijrah celebration as a moment for reflection and renewal, and as an opportunity to embrace positive change in line with the spirit of transformation exemplified by Prophet Muhammad. - Bernama
