Islamic scholar and thinker Syed Naquib Al-Attas dies at 94

2026-03-08 - 16:34

Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, a prominent figure in Islamic civilisation thought, contributed to the establishment of several institutions. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Prominent Islamic scholar Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas has died this evening. He was 94. Religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan who disclosed the news in a Facebook post, described Syed Naquib as a priceless gem of knowledge for the Muslim community. He said Syed Naquib was known as a thinker and scholar who rekindled the torch of knowledge in the Islamic world. He said Syed Naquib contributed to the establishment of important institutions such as the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation and the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation. Syed Naquib was bestowed with the title of Royal Professor by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, in October 2024 for his contributions to the country, especially in the field of Islamic education. It is understood that prayers for the late scholar will be held at Al-Taqwa Mosque in Taman Tun Dr Ismail tomorrow morning, before he is laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery.