Prominent Muslim scholar, ex-rector of IIUM dies at 85

Abdul Hamid AbuSulayman, one of the best known contemporary scholars in the Muslim world who oversaw the growth of Malaysia’s International Islamic University (IIUM), died today at the age of 85.

Hamid, who authored many books on the subject of Islamic reform and education, was also chairman of the US-based International Institute of Islamic Thought.

Born in Mecca, Hamid served as IIUM’s rector from 1988 to 1998, during which time the university’s population grew to become one of Malaysia’s largest centres for higher education.

Hamid also personally oversaw the design and construction of the university’s sprawling campus in Gombak, which was a blend of modern and Islamic architecture.