Islam and Health

For the first time in the history of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), both academicians and students had the privilege to witness and take part in a marathon-like intellectual discourse that spanned several days. The five-day congress, held from 8th to 12th September, was organized by AHAS KIRKHS and marked a significant milestone for the university. The idea of bringing together all eleven departments of the Kulliyyah (Faculty) into one large congress was a major success, especially for the Dean, Prof. Dr. Hafiz Zakariya. The Chairperson, Dr. Rabiah Tul Adawiyah Mohamed Salleh, along with her dedicated team of academics, technicians, and students, did a fantastic job in ensuring the smooth running of the entire event. The congress was officially opened by Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, the Rector of IIUM, who was given the honour to grace the inaugural session and deliver a keynote address titled "Tawhidic Epistemology as the Catalyst for the Integration of Knowledge in the 21st Century."

The Maqasid al-Shariah concept is a critical component in implementing Shariah compliant healthcare, promoting medical tourism and sustainable development goals. The concept of Maqasid Shariah provides a clear guidance and framework to the process of ijtihad in solving the issues conforming to the human interest while complying with the will of Spirit. This study examines the incorporation of Maqasid al-Shariah principles into sustainable community health practices, emphasizing the influence of Shariah-compliant hospitals (SCH) and community health (CH) on the realization of Maqasid al-Shariah in Malaysia. The study seeks to synchronize healthcare delivery systems with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the significance of health and well-being via Shariah-compliant healthcare frameworks. This study identifies gaps in the literature on the systematic implementation of Maqasid al-Shariah in healthcare systems, aiming to address the challenges of reconciling Islamic principles with medical treatments to promote social well-being. The research used a quantitative methodology, utilizing a survey of 257 participants from diverse healthcare institutions in Kuala Lumpur. The results validate a substantial, favourable correlation between community health practices and Shariahcompliant hospitals with Maqasid al-Shariah. The use of Maqasid al-Shariah principles in healthcare can enhance life, intellect, faith, lineage, and wealth, which are fundamental aims of Islamic law. This research further aids in the actual incorporation of these ideas inside healthcare systems, providing politicians and healthcare executives with solutions to connect medical procedures with Islamic values. The study indicates that promoting healthcare systems guided by Maqasid al-Shariah, such as Shariah-compliant hospitals and community health programs, can enhance sustainable healthcare practices while furthering the SDGs in Malaysia. It also advocates for additional research on the long-term effects of these integrated practices and their potential applicability across various geographical and institutional contexts. This research provides valuable insights into strengthening healthcare quality, fostering social solidarity, and improving community well-being by integrating Islamic legal frameworks into healthcare systems.

The current study is continuation of the Islamic Input in Orthopaedics (IIIO) module for undergraduates completing their fourth year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). It is conducted by a group of students under supervision in the form of elective posting research to analyse in-ward diabetic foot disease patients' practices in performing religious obligatory duties. Methodology: Designated interviewer-filled section in diabetic foot screening form was used. Patients with foot ulcer, amputated leg, infection or wound, were recruited using convenient sampling method. Written consent was taken from every patient. The questionnaire used was specific on knowledge and awareness on ablution (wudhu') and prayers (solah). Results: Twenty-six patients participated in this study. Only 15 (57.7%) of them perform solah throughout their period of hospitalization. 33.3% of them performed wudhu' prior to solah by applying the conventional method whereas the other 33.3% of the patients performed wudhu' by wiping water over the dressing. Other methods constituted smaller percentages; wudhu' without wiping, wudhu' and tayammum and tayammum only. Three quarter of the patients perform solah by sitting on a chair (74%) while 13% of them perform solah by sitting on a flat surface, i.e. bed of floor. The rest preferred performing the prayer in standing position. Conclusion: More than half of the patients that have foot ulcer or wound still able to perform solah with most of them preferred solah by sitting on a chair, and performing wudhu' as usual or wiping directly on the dressing. The percentages of patients who are not performing ibadah while in sick are still very high.

During his entire career, Kamal received several national and international recognitions, including the title "Profesor Ulung" (Distinguished Professor) in 2010 and the "Tokoh Anugerah Akademik Negara" (National Academic Figure) in 2017. Though he retired in 2017 after over 40 years in academia, he continued to contribute to education as a volunteer consultant and honorary advisor. As a distinguished Muslim scholar, Kamal Hassan's interest was always in the areas of Islamic philosophy, contemporary issues, ethics, spirituality, and Islamic education. His works include influential books and articles on Islamic moderation, spirituality, and the integration of Islamic knowledge in education. His Concept of An Islamic University Kamal Hassan's vision for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was a unique and significant contribution to higher education. His profound knowledge, wisdom, and deep understanding of Islam enabled him to shape and establish IIUM as a distinctive Islamic institution. Unlike other universities such as Aligarh Muslim University, Darul Uloom Deoband, or Al-Azhar University-which reflect specific secular, traditional, or sectarian orientations-IIUM was designed to embody a universal Islamic worldview. It deliberately avoids alignment with any particular sect or modern ideological model (e.g., Salafi, Shia, secular, liberal), maintaining an independent stance as a global institution representing Islam in its entirety. IIUM addresses the intellectual and educational needs of both the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large. It offers practical solutions to contemporary challenges in education through an inclusive and comprehensive approach that integrates various dimensions of Islamic thought.

Food is a product prone to contamination from various sources, including pathogens, dirt and foreign substances. Food safety is now recognised as a global issue, with foodborne diseases worldwide reaching alarming levels. This issue occurred despite extensive research having been conducted in food safety, encompassing preventive and control techniques for implementation in the food-based industry, catering, and food service sectors. The objective of this study is to analyse hadiths from Kutub Tis'ah and adapt them into an instrument that can serve as either an alternative or an added value. This qualitative study employed content and thematic analysis. The findings demonstrated the development of a Hadith Analysis Tool (HAT) as an alternative to mitigate food contamination and promote compliance with halalan tayyiban principles in food production among SMEs. This work aims to serve as a reference for enhancing the awareness and responsibility of food producers and providers regarding hygiene, safety, and adherence to Sharia principles. Thus, this study contributed to the integration of religious knowledge and food science in addressing the global issue of food safety, while also enhancing consumer trust in food products.

In the 1980s, Malaysian Islamic scholar Mohd Kamal Hassan was commissioned by Malaysia’s Prime Minister to draft a concept paper for establishing the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

Known for his balanced and comprehensive grasp of Islam, Kamal Hassan conceptualized IIUM with a robust philosophical, epistemological, and ideological foundation. His vision framed Islam as a holistic way of life, shaping the university’s mission to promote peace and harmony within the Muslim community and beyond.

Deeply involved in IIUM’s development until his passing in 2023, Hassan emphasized the importance of spiritual and moral foundations in education, viewing them as essential alongside academic growth.

His collaboration with AbdulHamid AbuSulayman, IIUM’s second rector, further cemented the university’s distinctive position in global Islamic higher education. Hassan’s holistic approach to education and spirituality continues to influence IIUM’s identity and legacy.

Pregnancy has been associated with discomfort and several health issues that may prompt selfmedication. Although various reasons and types of selfmedication among pregnant women have been reported worldwide, little is known whether this practice is common among pregnant women in Malaysia. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the practice and factors of selfmedication among pregnant women in Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by distributing a validated self-administered questionnaire among pregnant women who attended prenatal check-up at the International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Centre Kuantan, Pahang. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Results: A total of 80 pregnant women participated in the study over a period of five months which accounted for 80% of total sample size. The range for age was 23-45 years and gestational age was 12 -39 weeks. Most of them had experienced their symptoms such as fever and flu at home but only 32.5% (n=26) practiced self-medication, whereas 67.5% (n=54) did not agree without consulting doctors. Participants took modern medicines (18.75%, n=15), health supplements (76.2%, n=61) and herbal products (5%, n=4). Self-medication was practiced by women who took modern medicines (n=3), health supplements (n=19) and herbal products (n=3). Factors that influenced self-medication were information from the internet (70%), friends (53.75%), articles/books (40%), family members (41.25%) and media (33.75%). Conclusion: Self-medication occurred among pregnant women and involved various types of products. Intervention to improve this practice is required to prevent associated risks of adverse outcomes in pregnancy.

The secularisation of the modern fields of knowledge leads to the deprivation of religious and spiritual considerations, particularly in the current medical curriculum. In the past, the heavy medical curriculum has been blamed as a major contributing factor of production of ―diseaseoriented‖ rather than ―patient-oriented‖ medical practitioners. Undergraduate students are very much unprepared to integrate the Islamic knowledge acquired during school-going years into the hectic life and specific conditions that they will encounter in the real clinical settings. There is a great need to reform the current education system to produce critical-minded medical practitioners, especially from the various aspects of the Islamic perspective. In IIUM, the teaching of medicine is augmented by series of relevant lectures and programs in line with the University‖s Islamization of Human Knowledge agenda. The Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Rehabilitation of IIUM has taken a step ahead ...

In this 3rd lecturer series presented by Professor Jaseer Auda, he presented a topic on Islamic methodology on the basis of Quranic objectives. The Quran is a wealth of knowledge and ideas, offering a unique perspective on life, time, history, human societies, morality, and beauty. It is considered by Muslims to be the word of God, providing a distinct viewpoint compared to other books. Thinking about the objectives of the Quran and using them as the basis for an Islamic methodology is essential.Professor Jaseer Auda believes that this is the only way forward for Islamic thought to contribute meaningfully to current civilization. Methodology is not just about tools and techniques; it is a philosophy, an approach, and a way of seeing the world. It encompasses ideology and definitions of truth. The summary of the ideas in this lecture is :

(1) Quran as basis of Truth : The Quran should be the primary source for understanding truth and guiding principles

(2) Importance of Critique: Critiquing historical and contemporary ideas from an Islamic perspective is essential for progress and relevance.

(3) Comparative Studies: Engaging in comparative studies across different schools of thought and disciplines broadens understanding and addresses current issues

(4) Beyond Colonial Divisions: Overcoming the artificial separation between "Islamic" and "non-Islamic" knowledge allows for a more holistic and integrated approach to learning and problem-solving

(5)Phenomena-Driven Education: Shifting the focus of education from market demands to addressing real-world issues and phenomena enhances the value and impact of knowledge.

Institutions of higher learning are working hard to provide effective, high quality educational programs. Meanwhile, potential students are also looking at "quality" as a metric to help make their decisions about which college to join. Mechanisms to evaluate the quality of higher education offered in universities are already available. This study aimed to determine students' attitudes and opinions regarding the pharmacy curriculum at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). A survey instrument was administered to all final year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students. Forty students (93%) completed and returned the survey. The majority of students (75%) expressed their satisfaction regarding the curriculum in general. Most students (74%) were also satisfied with the courses offered by the department of pharmacy practice. However, students were not satisfied with certain issues such as overlapping of some pharmacy practice courses, and the inclusion of the Malaysian language course in the BPharm curriculum.

Institutions of higher learning are working hard to provide effective, high quality educational programs. Meanwhile, potential students are also looking at "quality" as a metric to help make their decisions about which college to join. Mechanisms to evaluate the quality of higher education offered in universities are already available. This study aimed to determine students' attitudes and opinions regarding the pharmacy curriculum at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). A survey instrument was administered to all final year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students. Forty students (93%) completed and returned the survey. The majority of students (75%) expressed their satisfaction regarding the curriculum in general. Most students (74%) were also satisfied with the courses offered by the department of pharmacy practice. However, students were not satisfied with certain issues such as overlapping of some pharmacy practice courses, and the inclusion of the Malaysian language course in the BPharm curriculum.

The purpose of this paper was to illustrate and to assess the Islamic perspective of nutrition and food security in the light of Quran. Quran is a book of social guidance, politics, law, principles and science. Quran has nutrition and food security related clear messages. There are 64 nutritional keywords and 257 nutritional verses (Ayahs) are in Quran. The aliment, eating, water/drinking words, and their derivatives are repeated 171, 109, and 131 times, respectively. In Quran 19 plants are mentioned. Allah tells people that he feeds people, preventing hunger, and provides safety and peace, keeping them from fear. However, this condition of change in sustenance was associated in the Quran with various accounts related either to Allah’s management or to people’s works. Quran’s message is clear on breastfeeding, healthy eating, food safety and hygiene, distribution of food, availability of food and utilization. There are eight verses of the Quran on mother's milk. Breast fee...

Soft skills play a vital role for providing excellent customer service in the healthcare setting. This study aims to develop and assess the instrument validity and reliability before measuring the levels of soft skills competency and core value internalization on staffs at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @International Islamic University Malaysia (SASMEC@IIUM). A self-assessment questionnaire was developed through three phases. The first phase involved reviewing and identifying relevant literatures and existing soft skills assessment instruments through bibliographic searches and expert consultations. A conceptual model was then established based on the selected conceptual frameworks after determining all relevant soft skill domains. The second phase involved generating relevant items, removing duplicate or irrelevant items, and appraising the content validity by three experts. The third phase was data collection, wherein the finalized instrument was distributed to 32 staff of SASMEC@IIUM via google forms. The instrument reliability was investigated through internal consistency reliability or Cronbach's alpha, with all items, except for the construct 'gratitude', achieving acceptable values by exceeding the threshold value of 0.7. Subsequently, two gratitude items were removed from the questionnaire. The current instrument and theoretical framework employed in the self-assessment questionnaire development are valid and reliable for the actual application.

Today, the 3rd of September, was a wonderful experience for most participants who joined the interfaith dialogue on environmental ethics. Many of us at IIUM were fortunate to learn about environmental issues from different religious perspectives. As members of the teaching staff at an Islamic university, we often address the subject of man and nature primarily from an Islamic viewpoint. Listening to people of other faiths discuss what their religious texts say about the proper attitude humans should have towards the environment was thrilling. The two-hour session enriched us in many ways.
The Panelists
The panelists, each representing different faith groups, were well-versed in their respective religious texts. Dr. Amilah Awang from IIUM discussed environmental ethics from an Islamic perspective. Dr. Living Lee Chai Peng, pastor of the People’s Park Baptist Church, explained the ideal relationship between humanity and nature from a Christian viewpoint. Mr. Parthiban Ramachandran of Hindu Sevai Sangam presented the concept of dharma in man’s relationship to nature. The final panelist, Br. Wong Tin Song provided an overview of the Buddhist perspective on how man should treat nature.

The term "science," rooted in the Latin word scientia, originally signified a broad pursuit of knowledge within the realm of philosophy. Until the early 19th century, disciplines such as physics and chemistry were still considered branches of philosophy, with the term "scientist" only being introduced in 1840 by William Whewell. In contrast, Islamic science has been fundamentally rooted in the Quran and Sunnah for over 14 centuries. Despite the Islamic world's long-standing dominance in global culture and civilisation, by the 19th century, Muslims faced a decline in cultural and scientific leadership, exacerbated by the fall of the Ottoman Empire and European colonisation. Modern Western civilisation, shaped by the Renaissance and Enlightenment, emphasised scientific inquiry and secularism, leading to significant industrial and intellectual advancements. As the Muslim world interacted with this Western paradigm, it struggled to reconcile modern science with Islamic teachings. This struggle is evident in the Muslim world's lag in scientific output, education, and research infrastructure. The ongoing challenge is the Islamization of natural sciences, aiming to integrate Islamic principles with scientific inquiry, addressing the contemporary concerns of scientific illiteracy and fostering a revival of Islamic intellectual tradition in the sciences.

The purpose of this paper was to illustrate and to assess the Islamic perspective of nutrition and food security in the light of Quran. Quran is a book of social guidance, politics, law, principles and science. Quran has nutrition and food security related clear messages. There are 64 nutritional keywords and 257 nutritional verses (Ayahs) are in Quran. The aliment, eating, water/drinking words, and their derivatives are repeated 171, 109, and 131 times, respectively. In Quran 19 plants are mentioned. Allah tells people that he feeds people, preventing hunger, and provides safety and peace, keeping them from fear. However, this condition of change in sustenance was associated in the Quran with various accounts related either to Allah’s management or to people’s works. Quran’s message is clear on breastfeeding, healthy eating, food safety and hygiene, distribution of food, availability of food and utilization. There are eight verses of the Quran on mother's milk. Breast fee...

Medico Fiqh Institute, launched on Ramadan 1, 1445 AH (March 11, 2024), is a digital platform committed to examining medical topics through the prism of Islamic jurisprudence. It delves into the intersection of medicine and Islamic ethics, offering insights and guidance for exploring complex healthcare issues within the framework of Islamic principles.
https://www.youtube.com/@MedicoFiqhInstitute

Academic integrity is an issue that has received tremendous attention and continues to be an intense area of research involving all levels of scholarship, mainly due to the impact of its opposite concept and academic dishonesty on the reputation of an institution or the members of that institution, be it students or academicians. However, while most researches deal with plagiarism by students and other unethical practices, not much is being said about this phenomenon among staff and academics. In order to find effective solutions to a problem, it is essential to dig into the roots of that problem and investigate what are the potential causes of it. Therefore, building on previous research, this paper uses an analytical approach to look at a number of aspects within the educational system that are found to stimulate plagiarism and academic dishonesty among the educators and academic professionals, such as lack of awareness, pressurizing circumstances, deficiency in the application of concepts of justice and equality, as well as non-compliance with the underlying worldview upheld by the educational institution. This paper attempts to give suggestions about the measurements that need to be taken into consideration by the educational system and policy makers, in the quest of providing longterm solutions that can lead to a culture of academic integrity, particularly for Islamic educational institutions.

The nursing profession plays a pivotal and indispensable role in the promotion of public health, disease prevention, and comprehensive care delivery to diverse populations. As in other healthcare-related fields, the continuous development of nursing education assumes paramount importance in addressing the myriad challenges posed by the modern era. This paper presents a thorough examination of the historical origins, current status, and future prospects of postgraduate nursing education in Malaysia, encompassing a thorough exploration of its evolution. Furthermore, the study critically examines the interface between postgraduate nursing education and advanced nursing practice within the healthcare landscape of Malaysia. By analysing these dimensions, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the strategic enhancements necessary for further strengthening the nursing profession in the country.

The concept of patient autonomy or self-determination is one of the dominant ethos in modern medical practice. The demands by patients to be given respect, independence and dignity in medical decision making have been heeded and mirrored in many ethical codes and judicial decisions. The development of the law relating to informed consent, euthanasia, confidentiality, and reproduction issues have clearly reflected the reinforcement of patient autonomy in which patients’ choices should be free from coercion and unwanted interference. Paternalistic infringement in these areas have been regarded as outmoded and are disfavoured, as respect for a patient’s right to determine his own destiny is given precedence.  The escalating medico-legal cases have further emphasised the salience of this concept in the provision of medical services. Nevertheless, while the importance of patient autonomy is duly recognised, the advancement of this concept is not without its limitations; it accordingly ha...

Ajaran Islam adalah meliputi keseluruhan hidup seseorang Muslim. Bagi seseorang Muslim, mentaati perintah Allah SWT merupakan suatu tuntutan. Sunggupun demikian, terdapat beberapa keadaan di mana Islam memberikan jalan kemudahan kepada penganutnya dalam melaksanakan perintah-Nya berdasarkan prinsip raf' al-ḥaraj. Allah SWT mengurniakan keringanan sebagai satu bentuk kemudahan apabila seseorang mukallaf itu menghadapi kesukaran dalam menjalankan ketaatan kepada-Nya. Salah satu daripada keadaan sukar yang diberikan kelonggaran ini adalah dikenali sebagai 'umūm al-balwā. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat konsep 'umūm al-balwā menurut perspektif tasawwuf bagi mendapatkan hikmah di sebalik pensyariatan konsep ini. Dalam menghubungkan di antara 'umūm al-balwā dan tasawwuf, ianya akan dilihat berdasarkan dua konsep, iaitu konsep rukhsah dan konsep wara'. Bagi tujuan kajian ini, kes yang dipilih adalah kes memilih makanan ḥalālan ṭayyiban sebagai kajian kes. Kajian ini dijalankan dengan menggunakan kaedah kajian kepustakaan dan analisis teks untuk mendapatkan data dan pendekatan kualitatif bagi menganalisis data. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa, konsep 'umūm al-balwā dapat dikaitkan dengan tasawwuf melalui konsep wara'. Melalui kefahaman di antara kedua-dua konsep ini, ia menjadi suatu bentuk refleksi yang bermanfaat kepada umat Islam

that followed the requirements of ISO17025 standard. The procedure was to introduce sterile distilled water to wash the femoral shaft before inoculation with ATCC 25923 Staphylococcus aureus to produce osteomyelitis in the NZW rabbit. The outcomes then were analyzed through radiographic assessment and microbiology identification tests. Results: A total of 36 NZW rabbits underwent a distal femoral shaft osteomyelitis surgery. After experimental protocol established, osteomyelitis was noted and was successful infected with Staphylococcus aureus to promote osteomyelitis using the method at distal femoral shaft in all 36 NZW rabbits. We achieved 100% of inoculation of osteomyelitis in all 36 New Zealand White rabbits. No mortality noted among all rabbits involved in this study. Conclusion: This is a simple and reliable method was demonstrated and recommended for surgery via femoral shaft on New Zealand White rabbits to create osteomyelitis.

Food wastage is a serious problem reported currently, and their disposal at landfills caused environmental problems such as leachate and odour. Apart from being disposed, FW is biodegradable, and hence it can be treated through composting. Composting involves the activity of microbes to convert the FW into compost which can be used as organic fertiliser. While most of the previous studies focused on one type of composting method, the comparison between two methods to determine the efficient one in producing good quality compost is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to compare the physicochemical parameters of FW in convennonal and spinning barrel composting method. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, moisture content except for C/N ratio) were measured every three days interval throughout 30 composting days and analysed using SPSS. For the results, only moisture content differed significantly between both methods in which spinning barrel reach an optimum range of 54.61% in the...

Introduction: Most of the smokers remain as active smokers and do not aware of their nicotine dependence (ND) level. ND is an important reason for smoking addiction. Objectives: The study measured the prevalence of smoking and ND among adult males and their difficulties to quit smoking. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 males aged 18 years and above from Felda Bukit Goh at Kuantan, Malaysia in 2015. Socioeconomic status, history of smoking, quit attempt and reasons for failing to quit were explored by using a self-administered questionnaire. Level of ND was assessed by validated Malay version of Fagerstrom Test for ND questionnaire. Multivariate analysis on relationship among socioeconomic status and current smoking status, level of ND was done. Results: The prevalence of current smokers was 61.1% and the prevalence of low and moderate to high ND level was 76.2 % and 23.8 % respectively. Among them, 54.1% of smokers tried to quit smoking ranging from 1 to 30 times. Forty eight percent of those attempted to quit were self-motived and their main reason for failure to quit was addiction (71.9%). Smokers with monthly household income of RM2000-2999 was independently associated with moderate to high ND with adjusted OR=4.73 (95% CI 1.83-12.18) compared to those with income less than RM2000. Conclusion: Despite high prevalence of smoking, majority of smokers have low ND. Addiction was the main reason for failure to quit. Household income was a contributing factor for moderate to high ND. The finding provides hope for the success of smoking cessation programme if it is to be done in this locality.

Introduction: To determine the levels of oral health knowledge of periodontal disease and its determinants among final year non-dental students of IIUM Kuantan Campus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 final year non-dental students from five different kulliyyah using a validated structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of items to assess participants’ demographic and socioeconomic variables, dental health education, periodontal disease knowledge, and oral hygiene practice. The relationship between levels of knowledge with the socioeconomic background, oral hygiene practice, and dental health education were analyzed using Chi-square Test and One-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis was based on probability values of less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Results: 70.4% (200/284) of the participants were female and 29.6% (84/284) were male with mean age 23.5. Limited knowledge was seen more in non-medical students than medical students significantly (p<0.05) in...

The older population is increasing in numbers worldwide. Most of them have multiple comorbidities including diabetes. The diabetic control in elderly is usually challenging. Their quality of life and socioeconomic condition either in rural or urban area could affect their disease progress. This study aims to measure the diabetic control and its associated factors, including quality of life among the older population with diabetes in three different districts of Malaysia. The patients’ health and background details were recorded. Validated Malay version of diabetes quality of life questionnaire was used. 485 elderly diabetic patients were recruited based on two proportion formula comprising all clinics in those districts representing urban vs rural area. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression for the association. Only 30.5% of the patients have good diabetic control with patients in Kuala Terengganu district achieved better sugar control (p < 0.001). Howe...

Elemen kerohanian merupakan salah satu komponen utama dalam diri manusia. Selain memenuhi keperluan jasmani, makanan juga penting untuk penjagaan rohani. Namun, elemen kerohanian ini jarang digandingkan dengan makanan dan kurang ditekankan sedangkan elemen kejiwaanlah yang membentuk tingkah laku, akhlak dan pemikiran seseorang. Justeru itu, kajian ini bertujuan membincangkan elemen kerohanian dalam implementasi halalan tayyiban serta menzahirkan hubungan antara keduanya. Kajian kualitatif ini dilaksanakan dengan mengguna pakai kaedah kepustakaan untuk pengumpulan data dan seterusnya dianalisis dengan mengaplikasi metode induktif, deduktif dan tematik. Melalui kajian ini, didapati bahawa pemakanan yang memenuhi prinsip halalan tayyiban sangat berpengaruh membentuk individu yang sejahtera khususnya dari sudut rohani. Pengambilan makanan halalan tayyiban juga mempunyai hubungan yang sangat signifikan dengan elemen kerohanian manusia sehingga mampu membentuk individu yang mempunyai jiwa tenang, sentiasa bersyukur dan sabar serta jiwa yang bersih dalam kehidupan.

Introduction: This paper aimed to determine the corneal stabilization point using corneal topographic approach subsequent to pterygium excision using controlled partial avulsion fibrin glue technique. Methods: Ninety-three eyes of 93 patients who had undergone primary pterygium excision surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Topographic changes, based on changes in Simulated-K (SimK), were determined by having four (4) follow-up sessions (at 1 st , 3 rd , 6 th , and 12 th month post-surgical. The parameter studied was the degree of astigmatism measured with Zeiss ATLAS 995 corneal topographer. Three measurements were taken and only the measurement with the best image quality was accepted. These measurements were conducted by a single operator and performed by the same operator for each follow-up visit. All participants then underwent pterygium excision performed by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). RM-ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis were employed to evaluate the difference between sessions with SimK. Results: Topographic changes revealed corneal stabilization point at 3 rd month post-operatively. Significance improvements for corneal astigmatism was noted for the 1 st and the 3 rd months (both P< 0.001), followed by insignificant changes towards the remaining 6 th and 12 th months visits (both P> 0.05). Conclusions: Anterior corneal curvature stabilization point is obtained at 3 rd months of post-surgical procedure.Thus we suggest other refractive procedures are safe to be performed after the 3 rd month of pterygium excision.

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to identify the changes in overall anterior corneal curvature between unilateral primary pterygium and normal adults utilizing shape factor and mean toric keratometry. Methods: A total of 60 participants comprise of 30 unilateral primary pterygium eyes from 30 pterygium patients and 30 normal adults were recruited in this study. Diagnosis and classification of primary pterygium were done by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). Standard optometric examinations were performed in all participants. Shape factor (SF) and toric mean keratometry (TKM) were objectively measured using a corneal topographer. Three measurements based on best image quality for SF and TKM were taken by single operator in a same visit. Difference for both SimK and CIM parameters between primary pterygium and normal groups were determined via independent T-test. Results: Overall mean and standard deviation (n = 60) of SF and TKM were found higher in primary pterygium group (0.79 ± 0.09 and 49.09 ± 5.42 D) compared to normal (0.37 ± 0.09 and 44.73 ± 2.02 D) respectively. Independent T-test results showed significance difference in SF and TKM values between primary pterygium groups and normal (both P < 0.001). Conclusions: Both SF and TKM can be used as a tool in describing early changes of pterygium on the anterior corneal surface. Advance pterygium could induce significant increment in both SF and TKM.

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to determine the changes in overall anterior corneal curvature between unilateral primary pterygium and normal adults utilizing shape factor and mean toric keratometry. Methods: Total of 60 participants comprises of 30 unilateral primary pterygium eyes from 30 pterygium patients and 30 normal adults were recruited in this study. Diagnosis and classification of primary pterygium were done by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). Standard optometric examinations were performed in all participants. Shape factor (SF) and toric mean keratometry (TKM) were objectively measured using a corneal topographer. Three measurements based on best image quality for SF and TKM were taken by single operator in a same visit. Difference for both SimK and CIM parameters between primary pterygium and normal groups were determined via independent T-test. Results: Overall mean and standard deviation (n = 60) of SF and TKM were found higher in primary pterygium group (0....

Introduction: This paper aimed to describe variation in oculovisual function between unilateral primary pterygium and normal adults using computerized M&S Smart System II. Methods: A total of 120 participants comprise 60 unilateral primary pterygium eyes from 60 pterygium patients and 60 normal adults were recruited in this study. Diagnosis and classification of primary pterygium were done by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). Standard optometric examinations were performed in all participants. Oculovisual function parameters were taken based on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) which was subjectively measured using computerized M&S Technologies Smart System II. Both measurements were done by single operator and performed on the same visit. Difference for both BCVA and CS parameters between primary pterygium and normal groups were determined via independent T-test. Results: Overall mean and standard deviation (n = 120) of BCVA and CS were found l...

Introduction: This paper aimed to describe variation in apical corneal curvature between unilateral primary pterygium and normal adults utilizing simulated-K and corneal irregularity measurement corneal indices. Methods: Total of 100 participants comprises of 50 unilateral primary pterygium eyes from 50 patients and 50 normal adults were recruited in this study. Diagnosis and classification of primary pterygium were done by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). Standard optometric examinations were performed in all participants. Simulated-K (SimK) and corneal irregularity measurement (CIM) was objectively measured using a corneal topographer. Three measurements based on best image quality for SimK and CIM were taken by single operator in a same visit. Difference for both SimK and CIM parameters between primary pterygium and normal groups were determined via independent T-test. Results: Overall mean and standard deviation (n = 120) of SimK and CIM were found higher in primary pterygium...

Introduction: This paper aimed to determine the corneal stabilization point utilizing corneal topographic approach subsequent to pterygium excision using controlled partial avulsion fibrin glue technique. Methods: Ninety-three eyes of 93 patients who had undergone primary pterygium excision surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Topographic changes were determined by having four (4) follow-up sessions (at 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th month post-surgical based on changes in Simulated-K (SimK). The parameter studied was the degree magnitude of astigmatism measured by Zeiss ATLAS 995 corneal topographer. Three measurements were taken and the measurement with the best image quality was taken as the measurement value. These measurements were done by single operator and performed on the same visit. All participants then undergo pterygium excision performed by a consultant ophthalmologist (KMK). RM-ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis were employed to evaluate the difference between sessions ...

The purpose of this paper is to prove that undergraduates have the capacity to be engaged in conducting empirical research and generating knowledge. It discusses the outcomes of a recent research training programme offered to undergraduates at the International Islamic University Malaysia. The training programme was organized and conducted by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. As of early 2020, about 700 undergraduates, including those studying at different departments at the Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS) have been trained. Working in teams, the undergraduates produced remarkable research projects presented in the form of written reports, oral presentations, and open discussions. To document these papers, the first social research collection book titled “Khalduniyyat” was submitted to the respective faculty, KIRKHS, for review and publication. This paper is based on a qualitative research approach, employing semi-structured interviews...

Problem-based learning (PBL) serves as an alternative tool in the teaching of law at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). IIUM emphasises on producing well-rounded graduates who are professionally qualified and who practice Islamic values. Problem-based learning has proven to be a very effective complementary tool in achieving this educational aim. The main elements of problem-based learning (PBL) are the study of real case problems, team work, time management, reflective journal writing and peer evaluation. All of these elements form essential parts of the Islamic education system. This paper discusses the Islamic values existing in problem-based learning and evaluates to what extent Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws (AIKOL) in general, and the course Equity and Trust in particular, has successfully harmonised and integrated problem-based learning with Islamic values.

Trials and tribulations come to everyone’s life in many shapes and forms. This issue is discussed sytematically and at length in the field of Islamic faith (ʿaqīdah), Islamic sufism (taṣawwuf), Islamic thought (al-Fikr al-Islāmiyy). Among treatises of classical Islam which touches this issue is Kitab Fawā’id al-Balwā wa al-Miḥan (The Benefits of Trials and Tribulations) by Sulṭān al-Ulamā’ Al-ʿIzz ʿAbd al-ʿAziz Ibn ʿAbd Al-Salām al-Ashʿariyy al-Shāfiʿiyy al-Dimashqiyy of the 6th/7th AH or 12th/13th CE. This article provides the introduction to the intellectual biography of Al-ʿIzz  Abd al-ʿAziz Ibn ʿAbd Al-Salām, introduction to the treatise: Kitab Fawā’id al-Balwā wa al-Miḥan, English translation of this treatise, and discussion of its contents. This treatise of Al-ʿIzz ʿAbd al-ʿAziz Ibn ʿAbd Al-Salām is a worth reading and exploring by all Muslims and non-Muslims. This treatise provides important points, proofs, and short explanations in understanding the benefits of trial and tribulation in human life from the Islamic perspective.

Despite certain medical treatment following miscarriage, there are also religious implications discussed by the Muslim jurists concerning the mother and the fetus. This article aims to analyze the miscarriage management according to medical and sharia perspective through qualitative approach and case study design. Data was obtained through document analysis and interviews. The study found that medical care management following miscarriage focuses on postpartum treatment of the mother. Meanwhile, the sharia emphasizes on the worshipping aspect of the mother and on the burial management the fetus.

Transcultural care is an important aspect of patient care. This review paper discusses the influence of Islamic philosophy on the faith and practices of Muslim patients with diabetes mellitus and its musculoskeletal manifestations. Relevant articles were searched from the electronic databases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, ProQuest, and Science Direct using the keywords “Islamic philosophy, the influence of Islamic Philosophy in Muslim patients, religious practice during sick, fasting months, and sick.” No time limitation was specified for article selection. The database search yielded 170 potential articles. The abstracts of these articles were screened, and 50 full-length manuscripts were obtained, reviewed, and analyzed for their relevance to the subject matter. Discussions rooted in the ontology, epistemology, and methodology of Islamic philosophy were described in detail to provide a sound understanding its influence on Muslim patients. The on...

Introduction: To investigate the pattern and major causes of tooth extraction among patients attending IIUM Kulliyyah of Dentistry Polyclinic. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study. Total 1036 number of tooth extraction done in the polyclinic were recorded to determine the causes of tooth extraction among patients attending the Polyclinic IIUM. Study period was from year 2012 to 2015. Collecting patients’ information was required from Pearl dental system and clinical year students’ Oral Surgery Department logbooks. Information includes patient’s name, identity card number, diagnosis and indications for dental extractions noted for each case. Other demographic features such as age, gender and race were analysed by using SPSS Chi-Square test. Result: The major causes of tooth extraction were dental caries 53.3%, periodontal problem 20.9%, impaction 7.7%, orthodontic reason 4.6%, malposted 3.6%, pre-prosthetic 0.9% and other reasons 8.9%. Among races, Malay had highest t...

Introduction: Since the recognition of psychiatry as a medical specialty back in the 19th century, many theories, therapies and treatment were much influenced by Western findings and practice. In general, spirituality and religion had little input or mentioning. Recently in 2012, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (London) affirmed the value of considering spirituality and religion as a part of good clinical practice which would benefit both the patient and the psychiatrist throughout the treatment period. In the Malaysian context, the general postgraduate training of psychiatrists in Malaysia does not specifically integrate religious or spiritual values in the curriculum. Methods: At IIUM, the undergraduate students are exposed to basic and essential psychology during the first year. During their fourth year they are introduced to subject of psychiatry for a short two weeks. Later in their final year, they exposed to an extensive and comprehensive 7 weeks posting covering all major...

Introduction: Depression is a vital issue to be concerned about because it is anticipated to be one of the major health issues confronting Malaysia in the coming years. Social media has emerged as one of the main contributors to depression due to the increased use of technology in modern society. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between social media use and depression among IIUM students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 227 students of IIUM Kuantan from three Kulliyyahs; Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), Science (KOS) and Dentistry (KOD). Convenience sampling was applied and self-administered questionnaires were distributed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package Software for Social Sciences (SPSS), where descriptive frequency table, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Correlation test were applied. Results: This study indicated that the level of social media-related depression among students in selected kulliyyah in IIU...

Preserving faith is the most significant goal for Muslims. However, fulfilling these objectives in the best possible way according to the principle of maqāṣid al-sharī'ah(the objective of Islamic law) within the framework of the dual system of Malaysian law is challenging. Preserving faith within maqāṣid al-sharī'ah discussion provides enormous opportunities for Muslims to nurture and protect their Islamic faith while regulating the laws that prohibit any harmful elements that could jeopardize it. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees everyone's freedom of religion. However, freedom of religion provided under Malaysian law has restrictions due to the uniqueness of Malaysian history. This article critically discusses the maqasidic-approach adopted to preserve Muslim child's faith. This article examines the government's effort to maintain Muslim child's faith concerning the laws and policies of education and Malaysian law on issues linked to the conversion of Muslims to other faiths and vice versa. The court decision on child's religion cases indicates a distinct feature of Muslim and non-Muslims' right to freedom of religion under Malaysian law. There are prospects for utilizing the maqāṣid al-sharī'ah framework effectively to promote the preservation of a child's faith in the context of Malaysian law.

The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) runs an undergraduate Medical Program (MP) which is a combination of the traditional and the newer trends of medical curricula. The curriculum also incorporates a specifically designed module designated as the Islamic Input in the Medical Program (IIMP) to inculcate Islamic perspectives of medicine, ethics and professionalism. The IIMP spans the entire 5 years of the MP and has recently undergone a major review in session 2010/2011. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to examine the perceptions of Phase I students (Years 1 and 2 of session 2012/2013) on the new IIMP curriculum. A questionnaire consisting of 20 items was designed and distributed to all 278 students. Five different aspects of the IIMP module were being evaluated namely; i) curriculum structure, ii) teaching-learning methods, iii) assessment, iv) problems, and v) suggestions for improvement. Of the 278 students, 268 (96.4%) students participated. Almost all stud...

Introduction: Hyperlipidaemia accompanies chronic renal disease either as a consequence of the renal dysfunction or as part of generalized metabolic derangements. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of tualang honey (TH) on the kidneys of animal model with chronic exposure to high cholesterol diet.  Materials and method:  Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups, the high cholesterol diet (12% CD (n= 16) and standard diet (SD) (n=4) and were fed for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the rats in the 12% CD group were subsequently divided into four groups. The first group was continued with only 12% CD while the other 3 groups in addition to the 12% CD, they were given TH treatment at different concentrations (1.2, 2.4 and 3.0 g/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Biochemical analysis of lipid profile and renal function were performed at the end of the experiment. The animals were sacrificed and the kidneys were harvested for histological examination.  Results:  In the 12 weeks...

Introduction; In order to produce well-rounded medical doctors in the future, Islamic-based Medical schools in Malaysia and other parts of the world are implementing a special approach in their curricula. The main vision of these medical schools is instillation of Islamic values in their curricula. In International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), a special curriculum namely Islamic Input in Medical Practice (IIMP) was introduced for this purpose. The importance of this study is to measure the effectiveness of this program on the aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice among our students. Materials & Methods: We follow up a total of 142 students for 5 years duration. The first assessment was done right at the enrolment to the medical program and the second assessment by using the similar questionnaire was done after 5 years upon completion of their course. Results: From a total number of students 145 from initial assessment, only a total of 102 medical students completed s...

Food has been identified as an important risk factor for health, yet many people overlook the effects of what they eat every day which are beyond their physical need. The previous studies show that most people still have a low level of awareness on the effects of food towards their psychological development. Expanding upon this issue, the present study was designed to investigate the relationship between halal food consumption and psychological features of Muslim student in Malaysian public universities. Specifically, this study has five objectives: first, to investigate the level of halal food consumption awareness among the university students; second, to examine significant differences in predictive ability in determining halal food consumption based on demographic characteristics; third, to determine the predictive ability of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behaviour control, and religious belief on halal food consumption via intention; fourth, to determine whether halal fo...

Preserving faith is the most significant goal for Muslims. However, fulfilling these objectives in the best possible way according to the principle of maqāṣid al-sharī'ah(the objective of Islamic law) within the framework of the dual system of Malaysian law is challenging. Preserving faith within maqāṣid al-sharī'ah discussion provides enormous opportunities for Muslims to nurture and protect their Islamic faith while regulating the laws that prohibit any harmful elements that could jeopardize it. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees everyone's freedom of religion. However, freedom of religion provided under Malaysian law has restrictions due to the uniqueness of Malaysian history. This article critically discusses the maqasidic-approach adopted to preserve Muslim child's faith. This article examines the government's effort to maintain Muslim child's faith concerning the laws and policies of education and Malaysian law on issues linked to the conversion of Muslims to other faiths and vice versa. The court decision on child's religion cases indicates a distinct feature of Muslim and non-Muslims' right to freedom of religion under Malaysian law. There are prospects for utilizing the maqāṣid al-sharī'ah framework effectively to promote the preservation of a child's faith in the context of Malaysian law.