Kamal’s death was confirmed by a family member in a statement shared over WhatsApp.

The funeral prayers will be held at Surau Al-Mawaddah in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, followed by the burial at the Bandar Baru Bangi Muslim cemetery.

In a statement, Ikim conveyed its condolences to Kamal’s family over his passing.

It said Kamal, who was appointed Ikim chairman on Feb 24, 2022, was a prominent Islamic thinker who had made great contributions to the world of academia, research, education and human capital development.

Born on Oct 26, 1942 in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Kamal obtained his bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies from Universiti Malaya in 1965 before pursuing a master’s degree and a doctorate at Columbia University, New York.

He was recognised internationally for his role as a rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia from 1999 to 2006, according to the statement.

Kamal was also the chairman of the advisory board for the Coordination of Islamic Religious Education and Education (Lepai), established with the approval of the Conference of Rulers.