By
Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin,
Deputy Rector of Student Development Community Engagement (SDCE)
From the lecture halls of Missouri to the leadership corridors of IIUM, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin has built a career that reflects both academic excellence and commitment to community.
He began his academic journey in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1989, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Central Missouri State University in 1991.
Returning to Malaysia that same year, he joined the Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) at IIUM as a lecturer, teaching Information Technology courses such as Management Information Systems, Systems Analysis and Design, and Information Resource Management. His expertise and dedication later led him to serve as the first of Head Department of Information Systems within KENMS.
In pursuit of deeper knowledge, he continued his studies in the United Kingdom, where he successfully completed his PhD in Wales in 1997.
Today, Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Fauzan Noordin serves as the Deputy Rector (Student Development and Community Engagement) at IIUM. His role combines leadership and vision, ensuring that students are not only academically competent but also prepared to serve and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Of course, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is my role model and hero. He began humbly as a shepherd and businessman, and grew up without parents under the guidance of Allah SWT. Even before prophethood, he was known as Al-Amin, “the trustworthy, ” and was respected and trusted by his community in Makkah.
A good example of his wisdom and leadership before Islam is how he resolved the dispute over the placement of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) after a flood. He suggested that each tribe carry the stone on a white cloth so that everyone could participate, ensuring fairness and avoiding conflict. This shows his ability to lead with justice and care, earning the respect of all.
After receiving the wahyu, he became one of the most influential people in the world. If we do not take Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم as our hero, who else should we look up to? We are commanded to love him even more than our parents. His character— Siddiq (truthfulness), Tabligh (conveying the message), Amanah (trustworthiness), Fathanah (wisdom), and Al-Amin (reliability)—serves as an example for us to emulate.
By following Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم and embodying these qualities, we not only honor him but also draw closer to Allah SWT. He is the ultimate human example, showing us how divine guidance translates into action in human life. ”
“The main goal of this office is to develop our students based on a Tauhidic framework from recognizing Allah SWT as Creator and Sustainer to producing graduates of ummatic excellences. With students and alumni from over 100 countries, our focus is to nurture graduates who are not only intellectually competent but also spiritually grounded, physically capable, and financially responsible.
We aim for holistic development: students who earn respect and respect others, who are trustworthy by first trusting in themselves and in Allah, and who embody care and compassion (ihsan) in all they do. Our aspiration is to cultivate mu’minun who achieve ihsan, balancing academic excellence with moral and spiritual integrity.
Ultimately, we want graduates who are sustainable, prosperous, trustworthy, and people who contribute positively to their families, communities, and the wider ummah, reflecting the qualities of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم in leadership, responsibility, and character. ”
“Alhamdulillah, my first exposure to usrah was during my days at MRSM Kulim, back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The one who introduced us to usrah and the Islamic movement was a lecturer from USM. She would travel from Penang to MRSM Kulim to speak about usrah and its significance.
Around that time, I also came across a quotation by Professor Ungku Aziz in a magazine I read in my hometown, Kepala Batas. His words struck me deeply. He reminded us that helping the Malays alone does not guarantee the preservation of their faith. But if we work for Islam, then InshaAllah, the faith of the Malays will also be safeguarded — like kill two birds with one stone. From that moment, my passion for the Islamic movement grew, and I became actively involved with ABIM.
Later, during my studies in the United States, I was entrusted with the role of Exco of ABIM United States. When I returned to Malaysia, I served as a lecturer at IIUM while continuing my involvement as Exco of the ABIM Young Graduates Committee for Malaysia from 1991 to 1994. My journey continued in the United Kingdom, where I taught within ABIM UK and was later elected as President of ABIM (MSG UK) from 1995 to 1996.
After completing my PhD in 1997, I returned to Malaysia in 1998. By then, I was invited to join WADAH (Wadah Pencerdasan Umat), the post-ABIM platform for members above 40. WADAH focuses on enlightening society — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — on real issues and providing them with guidance and direction. Today, Alhamdulillah, I serve as the Vice-President of WADAH, now in my second term.
When I began teaching at IIUM, I had an academic background in Computer Science, MBA, and later a PhD. But I did not initially have formal training in the Islamisation of Knowledge. It was my involvement in ABIM that connected me to great scholars and thinkers.
This spirit continues in our usrah at IIUM, which has been ongoing since 1998. Even with my Computer Science background, usrah provided me with the perspective to view IT through a Qur’anic lens. Knowledge, after all, must bring us closer to Allah SWT. Its purpose is to nurture gratitude (shukr), not arrogance (kufr).
To me, usrah has always been more than just a study circle. In my youth, it became a family, a source of strength and direction during my years of searching. As Imam Hasan al-Banna taught, usrah is built upon three principles: ta’aruf, tafahum and takaful. This synergy is what enables us to survive, grow, and face new challenges together as an ummah.
“Memorizing the Quran is very important, but it is not enough; students must also tadabbur (understand and reflect on its meanings) and most importantly, apply it in daily life. Knowledge without practice is like a tree without fruit: valuable, but of no benefit to others.
Hafiz should not only protect their own memorization, but also share the guidance of the Quran with society. By putting what they learn into practice, they can embody Islam as rahmatan li’alamin and positively impact their communities.
“The word “hero” can be translated into qudwah hasanah, meaning a role model who adds value to their community. I like the Malay proverb: “Jika hadir tidak menambah, kalau tiada tidak berkurang”—if your presence does not benefit others and your absence does not affect anyone, then you are like zero.
To truly become a qudwah, one must contribute positively and make a meaningful impact. Like Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم, we should aim to be rahmatan li’alamin, bringing mercy and benefit to those around us. People should feel your presence brings light and guidance, and feel your absence when you are gone. By embodying good values and serving others, Muslims can excel in their fields without compromising their faith. ”
“My advice is based on the guidance of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم: choose your friends wisely. He compared good friends to perfume sellers, the closer you are, the more you benefit from their influence. Bad company, like being close to an ironsmith, may affect you negatively even if you don’t engage in their actions.
Surround yourself with scholars and righteous people to strengthen your knowledge, iman, and taqwa. Always keep Allah SWT at the forefront of your life, and strive to follow Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Cultivate care, compassion, and ihsan, going beyond being just a good person to becoming an exemplary Muslim whose character positively impacts others. ”
