PASSING OF SYED MUHAMMAD NAQUIB AL-ATTAS GREAT LOSS TO ACADEMIC WORLD - KPT

PUTRAJAYA, March 9 (Bernama) -- The passing of Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas is a great loss to the academic world and civilisation of knowledge, particularly in the field of Islamic thought and civilisation, according to the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT).

In a statement today, the KPT said the deceased was known as an eminent scholar who made significant contributions to the development of Islamic scholarly traditions and the construction of an intellectual framework based on Islamic values and worldview.

"Among the late Syed Muhammad Naquib’s greatest contributions was the introduction of the concept of the Islamisation of knowledge, which has had a significant impact on the discourse of modern Islamic thought as well as in the construction of an education system based on Islamic values. The concept encompasses various branches of knowledge, including philosophy, theology, history, metaphysics, language, literature and art," said the statement.

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The statement said the individual was also involved in the establishment of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and founded the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC) in 1987, which became an important reference centre in the study of Islamic civilisation and thought, producing many scholars and intellectuals from various countries.

"Furthermore, the late Syed Muhammad Naquib was also one of the key figures in the establishment of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and contributed to shaping the policies, philosophy and identity of the university," the statement also said.

KPT said the late Syed Muhammad Naquib was conferred the title of Royal Professor by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Oct 23, 2024, in recognition by the MADANI government of his significant contributions to the academic world and civilisation.

"With that appointment, Syed Muhammad Naquib became the second Royal Professor in the country after the late Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid, who received the award in 1978," said the statement.

KPT extends its highest appreciation to the late Syed Muhammad Naquib for his services, thoughts, and intellectual legacy, and hopes that his contributions will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations of scholars, scientists, and students in upholding the culture of knowledge and strengthening the country's intellectual development.

Syed Muhammad Naquib passed away at 6.47 pm yesterday and was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery earlier today.

-- BERNAMA