PETALING JAYA: Tributes are pouring in for Royal Professor Tan Sri Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib Al‑Attas (pic), a distinguished scholar who passed away on Sunday.
He was 94.
The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah conveyed their condolences to the late scholar’s family.
In a social media post yesterday, the royal couple prayed that his soul would be placed among the faithful and the righteous.
The post described the late scholar as a distinguished intellectual who made immense contributions to the nation and significantly influenced the development of modern Islamic educational thought internationally.
“Throughout his academic career, Syed Muhammad Naquib produced dozens of scholarly works across fields including philosophy, history, theology, literature and Islamic civilisation,” the post said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also conveyed his condolences and expressed appreciation for the invaluable intellectual legacy the academic had left behind, particularly in strengthening understanding of the concepts of knowledge, adab, and the role of Islam in shaping a noble civilisation.
“The passing of the late Royal Professor, a highly respected scholar, is a great loss to the world, as he had contributed immensely to upholding the traditions of knowledge, adab (ethics), and Islamic civilisation.
“Indeed, his service and contributions will continue to be remembered and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of scholars and the Muslim community in continuing the tradition of knowledge rooted in wisdom and values.
“Together with the congregation, I performed the funeral prayer for the great scholar and thinker of Islamic civilisation, at Al-Taqwa Mosque, TTDI,” said Anwar in a social media post.
Syed Muhammad Naquib was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery yesterday.
The Higher Education Ministry, in a statement, described the Royal Professor’s passing as a great loss to the academic world, particularly in the field of Islamic thought and civilisation.
His greatest contributions made a profound impact on modern Islamic thought and the development of education systems based on Islamic values, it added.
“This concept encompassed various fields including philosophy, theology, history, metaphysics, language, literature and the arts,” the ministry added.
“He was involved in the establishment of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and founded the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (Istac) in 1987.
“He also played a significant role in the founding of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
“As a recognition for his immense contributions to academia and civilisation, he was conferred the title of Royal Professor by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Oct 23, 2024,” it said.
