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Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is a priority in 21st-century education. These abilities are also highlighted in the Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB) 2013-2025 pointed at delivering globally competitive students. Nevertheless, the level of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is low even though it has been a long time taught in school. It is apparent by the completion of the international assessments of TIMSS and PISA that record students in Malaysia find it challenging to implement HOTS. Malaysia ranks third in the bottom three in the 2009+ PISA assessment that assesses HOTS and students’ capacity to solve problems in real life. Teachers are perceived as a determinant in students’ weakness in the mastery of teaching because teachers’ teaching pays less attention to HOTS. The professional ability of teachers is essential to the achievement of the nation. The government has made numerous attempts to heighten the professional expertise of teachers as the success of a country depends on the competence of its people. Although this issue is relevant, research on teacher professional competence still lacks in Malaysia. This concept paper is expected to address the professional ability of teachers who will discuss the issues and challenges encountered by Islamic Education teachers in executing HOTS in their teaching.