The post-truth and post-normal era is characterised by misinformation, moral inconsistency and loss of confidence in institutions. This has resulted in the present society to be at a philosophical crossroads.
Truth is increasingly contested, and the boundaries between fact and fiction are blurred. In these turbulent times, universities should play the role as a beacon of clarity, knowledge and moral guidance.
This was in part the message given by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Chancellor of Universiti Malaya during the university’s 64th Convocation Ceremony on 30 November 2024.
Among others, His Royal Highness stressed that, “Understanding the human responsibility towards the Almighty Creator, a university’s responsibility is incomplete if it merely focuses on producing a large number of graduates. A university is also responsible for shaping character and nurturing the humanity of its graduates comprehensively. The more important aspect is the university’s success in fostering and instilling noble values within every graduate so that they possess inner strength and understand ethical, moral, accountability, and integrity aspects when entrusted with responsibilities.”
From an Islamic perspective, the role of the university is not merely academic but profoundly spiritual, moral and ethical. This role is grounded in the pursuit of truth, the integration of reason and faith, and service to humanity.
The post-truth era is defined by a preference for emotion and subjective narratives over objective facts. This is compounded by the post-normal condition, where complexity, uncertainty, turbulence and ambiguity, in part a result of rapid technological advancements, overwhelm our capacity to make sense of the world.
The result is confusion, polarisation and intellectual complacency. In response, the Islamic philosophy of education offers a clear antidote, that is the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge anchored in truth and ethics. The Quran states in verse 42 of Surah al-Baqarah to the effect that: “And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).”
Truth is core to the Islamic worldview. From an Islamic perspective, universities are not merely institutions of learning but custodians of truth. Universities have a sacred obligation to cultivate critical inquiry, combat misinformation and nurture a generation that can discern fact from falsehood. This role is especially vital in a world inundated with disinformation, misinformation and competing ideologies.
A fundamental contribution of the Islamic intellectual tradition is the seamless integration of faithand reason. In contrast to modern secular paradigms that often dichotomise religious and secular knowledge, Islam asserts the unity of all knowledge under the sovereignty of God. In this regard, there are many verses in the Quran which repeatedly invites humanity to observe, reflect and reason as acts of worship and paths to truth.
In an era where universities risk becoming technocratic centres devoid of ethical grounding, the Islamic philosophy offers a holistic vision. A university must therefore advance scientific inquiry and critical thinking while, at the same time, cultivate moral and spiritual wisdom to guide knowledge towards ethical ends.
The zenith of Islamic civilisation exemplified this synthesis. Many scholars harmonised philosophy, science and theology, producing innovations that benefited humanity while remaining rooted in ethical and spiritual frameworks.
Modern universities, particularly in the Muslim world, must revive this tradition to navigate the ethical dilemmas of our post-normal times. The post-normal era’s ethical ambiguity demands universities not only produce skilled graduates but also develop moral leaders who uphold justice, integrity, and service.
The true scholar in Islam is one whose knowledge inspires humility, accountability and service. Universities must nurture individuals who view knowledge as a trustor amanah which is critical to uplift society. This aligns with the Prophetic tradition that states, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
Today, as technological advancements outpace ethical considerations, universities must act as moral compasses. Research in artificial intelligence, biotechnology or economics must be guided by principles of justice, compassion and societal well-being rather than merely for ranking, profit or power.
In Islam, ignorance is seen as the root of oppression and corruption. Knowledge illuminates the path to truth, justice, and peace. Universities, therefore, are not passive observers of society but active participants in its moral and intellectual rejuvenation.
Universities must challenge post-truth narratives, uphold ethical standards and continue to inspire hope. Through research, teaching and community outreach services, universities can guide humanity toward stability and clarity in a chaotic world.
In the post-truth and post-normal era, universities face a profound responsibility to defend truth, cultivate ethical leadership and reintegrate fragmented knowledge. From an Islamic perspective, this role is sacred.
Universities must revive the legacy of critical inquiry, ethical responsibility and holistic knowledge championed by early Muslim scholars. By harmonising faith and reason, universities can navigate the complexities of our time, offering solutions rooted in justice, morality and truth.
In doing so, they become beacons of light, guiding humanity toward a more harmonious and meaningful existence.