Abdelaziz Berghout

Datuk Abdelaziz Berghout is an Algerian academic, researcher, and scholar in the fields of Islamic studies, Civilisation and Education. He is Professor of Islamic Thought and Civilisation at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), where he has held several senior academic and administrative positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of Corporate Strategy and Quality Assurance and Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM).

Berghout's academic work focuses on Islamic civilisation, Islamic thought, Islamic worldview, civilisational renewal, higher education, strategic planning, ethics, sustainable development, and the integration of revealed and acquired knowledge. He has authored and edited books, journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, and research papers in these fields.

Throughout his academic career, Berghout has contributed to educational reform, institutional transformation, international academic cooperation, and interdisciplinary research.

He has been also serving as an external expert on Cultural, Social, and Family Affairs for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), In this capacity, he participated in committees concerned with integrating ethics and values into policies for children, women and families, and with the development of strategic plans for marriage and family institutions in OIC member states.

In 2024, Berghout was conferred the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, carrying the honorary title Datuk, in recognition of his contributions to society, higher education, academic leadership, and Islamic scholarship.

Early life and education

Abdelaziz Berghout was born on 18 October 1966 in Ras El Ayoun, Batna, Algeria. He completed his Baccalaureate in Science at Abane Ramdane School in Algiers in 1986. He subsequently obtained a Higher Studies Degree in Finance in Algeria, 1991 before pursuing postgraduate studies in Islamic civilisation, civilisational studies, and education.

Berghout continued his postgraduate education in Malaysia, earning a Master's degree in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 1995. In 1998-1999, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Civilization and History from the Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya.

His research focuses on Islamic civilisation, civilisational transformation, philosophy, epistemology, Islamic worldview, higher education, strategic planning, futures studies, values-based education, sustainable development, and the integration of knowledge. His scholarly work has been published in books, edited volumes, book chapters, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed academic journals.

In addition to his teaching and research, Berghout has participated in national and international conferences, research collaborations, and academic initiatives. He has delivered keynote addresses and invited lectures at universities and international scholarly forums.

Administrative leadership

Throughout his academic career, Berghout has held academic and administrative leadership positions at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and other academic and international organisations. His work has included academic governance, strategic planning, institutional development, quality assurance, research management, and higher education policy.

Between 2021 and 2025, Berghout served as Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM), where he oversaw its academic and administrative affairs. During the same period, he also supervised the International Institute for Muslim Unity (IIMU-IIUM).

From 2011 to 2018, Berghout served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, Industry and Community Relations at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His responsibilities included international relations, industry and community engagement, and cooperation with universities and international organisations.

During his tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, IIUM maintained collaborations with organisations including the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), the League of Islamic Universities (LIU), the Association of Arab Universities (AAU), and other universities and institutions from the West and the East.

Between 2012 and 2017, Berghout served as Supervisor of the Islamic Agency for Quality and Accreditation, hosted at IIUM in collaboration with by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW).

In addition to his university appointments, Berghout has served on advisory boards, governing bodies, academic committees, and international organisations.

Leadership positions

Position Institution Period Dean, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC) International Islamic University Malaysia 2021–2025 Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, Industry and Community Relations International Islamic University Malaysia 2011–2018 Supervisor, International Institute for Muslim Unity (IIMU) International Islamic University Malaysia 2011–2018; 2021–2025 Company Director, IIUM International Sdn. Bhd. International Islamic University Malaysia 2012–2014 Head, Centre for Co-curricular Activities International Islamic University Malaysia 2004–2008 Director, Higher Education Company Sdn. Bhd. IIUM International Islamic College 2014–2015 Dean of Corporate Strategy and Quality Assurance International Islamic University Malaysia 2009–2011 Sheikh, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC) International Islamic University Malaysia 2017–2018 Chairman of the Board of Trustees APEXSCI International University 2024–present External Advisor on Cultural, Social and Family Affairs Organisation of Islamic Cooperation 2020–present Deputy President African-Asian Union of Universities 2019–2022

Research interests and contributions

Berghout has authored 15 books and published more than 100 academic articles in peer-reviewed journals. His research focuses on Islamic civilisation, Islamic thought, philosophy, education, and sustainable development.

Berghout's research has addressed the application of Islamic principles to higher education, strategic management, curriculum development, and sustainable development. His research examines Islamic intellectual traditions in relation to education, leadership, governance, and civilisational development. He has developed the Tawhid–Istikhlaf–Umran Paradigm of Knowledge and Civilisation.

His recent edited publications include SDG 18: Spirituality, Values and Culture for Humanising Sustainable Development: A Future Worldview (2023) (eds), Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development: Balancing Spirituality, Values and Profit (2025) (eds), Discourses for a Peaceful Future: Daisaku Ikeda's Four Decades of Proposals for Civilisational Transformation (2026), Wise-Rationalized Communication and the Culture of Verification in the Digital Age (2026) (eds), and Islamic Worldview, Tawhidic Epistemology and Civilisation: Addressing Humanity's Predicaments (2026).

His research has been presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He has also presented over 150 papers in local and international conferences

Publications

Berghout's publications focus on Islamic civilisation, Islamic thought, Islamic worldview, philosophy, higher education, strategic planning, ethics, sustainable development, and educational reform. His works include books, edited volumes, book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and research reports.

Books

Year Title Publisher 1995 Prophetic Methodology and Civilisational Change Ummah Book Series, Qatar 2005 Methods of Preaching in a Multi-Religious and Multi-Cultural Society Research Centre, IIUM 2005 Foundations of Civilizational Renewal and its Universal Dimensions: A Study on Malik Bennabi's Thought Research Centre, IIUM 2006 The Islamic Worldview and Tajdid: A Civilizational Approach Research Centre, IIUM 2006 Towards an Islamic Theory for Civilizational Development: The Contribution of Said Nursi Research Centre, IIUM 2007 Materialization of the Civilizational Project of Islam in the Contemporary World Ministry of Religious Affairs, Kuwait 2009 Introduction to The Islamic Worldview: Study of Selected Essentials (editor) Research Centre, IIUM 2023 SDG 18: Spirituality, Values and Culture for Humanising Sustainable Development: A Future Worldview (co-editor) ISTAC-IIUM Publications 2026 Discourses for a Peaceful Future: Daisaku Ikeda's Four Decades of Proposals for Civilisational Transformation Azzahra Associates 2026 Wise-Rationalized Communication and the Culture of Verification in the Digital Age Mashreq International Books

Selected journal articles

"Faith and the Essence of Human Being: Exploring the Islamic Concept of 'Honored Vicegerent'" (The Journal of Oriental Studies, 2026) "Islamic Worldview and Civilisational Tawhidic Epistemology: Towards a Universal Narrative" (2026) "Mechanisms of Philosophical Reasoning and their Importance in Achieving Quality of Life" (2025) "AbdulHamid AbuSulayman: Civilizational Education for Transformation" (Journal of Education in Muslim Societies, 2022) "Role of Worldview in Family Empowerment Plans: Proposed Islamic Integrated Framework" (Journal of Islam in Asia, 2022) "Towards an Integrated Model of University Performance Measurement in the Islamic World" (2017) "Valorizing Time as a Civilisational Asset: Glimpses into the Views of Malik Bennabi and Said Nursi" (2016) "The Islamic View of Technology: Re-discovering the Patterns of Balance and Order" (2010)

Selected book chapters

"Islamic Worldview and Civilisational Tawhidic Epistemology: Towards a Universal Narrative" (2026) "Strategising the Process of Islamisation of Knowledge in a University Context" (2026) "Said Nursi's Vision for a New Universal Culture of Dialogue" (2008) "Internationalisation and Global Prominence through Educational Excellence" (2023) "SDG 18: Spirituality, Values, Culture and Social Action for Sustainable Development" (2023)

Awards and honours

Berghout has received several national and academic honours.

Berghout receiving the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.), which carries the honorary title Datuk, from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (23rd Jan 2024).

In 2024, he was conferred the Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the honorary title Datuk.

Year Award or honour Awarding institution 2025 Outstanding Leadership Award (Takreem Day) International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC-IIUM), Malaysia 2024 Darjah Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.) – Honorary title: Datuk Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia 2024 Special Recognition Award – Insan Sejahtera Through Spirituality & Values-Driven Education (Takreem Day) International Islamic University Malaysia 2022 Global Relevance and Citizenship Award International Islamic University Malaysia 2019 The Jewels of the Muslim World OIC Today, Malaysia 2015 Vicennium Appreciation Award Ma'din Academy, India 2015 Award for Dedicated Leadership and Services (Maulidur Rasul Award) International Islamic University Malaysia 2011 Ajman Award for Quality and Excellence Government of Ajman, United Arab Emirates 2007 Outstanding Researcher Award International Islamic University Malaysia

International activities and professional services

Berghout has been serving as an External Expert on Cultural, Social and Family Affairs for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In this capacity, he coordinated the OIC Committee for the Development of a Guiding Document on the Integration of Ethics and Values into Children, Women and Family Policies for OIC Member States (2023), and the Committee for Formulating a Strategic Plan for the Empowerment of Marriage and Family Institutions (2018–2019).

Berghout serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of APEXSCI International University.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, Industry and Community Relations at the International Islamic University Malaysia (2011–2018), Berghout represented the university at international conferences, academic forums, institutional partnerships, and higher education initiatives.

Berghout has collaborated with universities, governmental agencies, international organisations, and research institutions on academic and educational initiatives.

Selected international conferences

Year Event Location Participation 2026 ASEAMYS Summit Australia Invited speaker 2025 Riyadh International Philosophy Conference Saudi Arabia Invited speaker 2025 International Zakat Conference (INZAC) Maldives Keynote speaker 2025 39th IOP Annual Conference Japan Presenter 2025 7th Iqbal Conference Pakistan Keynote speaker 2025 MAFIS Conference Indonesia Keynote speaker 2025 IQRA' Global Conference United States Keynote speaker 2024 Riyadh International Philosophy Conference Saudi Arabia Invited speaker 2024 International Conference on Enhancing ArtScience Malaysia Keynote speaker 2024 ICILAC Indonesia Keynote speaker 2023 International Conference on AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Malaysia Presenter 2023 ULMA Conference Indonesia Invited speaker 2023 International Conference on Teaching Islamic Studies Morocco Invited speaker 2023 University of Muhammadiyah Indonesia Invited speaker 2021 International Conference on the Islamisation of Knowledge Indonesia Presenter 2020 International Seminar on Islamic Learning Ukraine Keynote speaker 2017 World Moderation Forum Jordan Presenter 2016 G20 Interfaith Conference India Presenter 2015 International Symposium on Time in Islamic Civilisation Turkey Presenter 2013 International Conference on Religious Studies and Global Peace Turkey Presenter 2012 State and Religion Conference Azerbaijan Presenter 2010 QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education Conference Singapore Presenter 2009 International Conference on Higher Education in Peace and Development Philippines Presenter

International committees and advisory roles

Berghout has served on international committees, advisory boards, editorial boards, and quality assurance bodies, including appointments with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ISESCO, the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), universities, and academic journals.

International collaboration

During his tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of IIUM (2011–2018) and Dean of ISTAC-IIUM (2021–2025), Berghout was involved in developing memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and memoranda of agreement (MoAs) with universities, governmental agencies, and international organisations.