Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas is a renowned Islamic scholar and thinker who has made significant contributions to the field of Islamic philosophy and civilisation.
Early Life and Education
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas was born in Bogor, Java, Dutch East Indies ON September 5, 1931 into a family with a history of illustrious ancestors, saints. He was the second of three sons; his older brother, Syed Hussein Alatas later became an academian and politician. He is the cousin of the academic Ungku Abdul Aziz.
Al-Attas received his early education in Islamic studies from his father, who was a scholar and teacher of Islamic theology and law. He later studied at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Philosophy. He then went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of London, where he earned a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy.
Career
After completing his education, Al-Attas returned to Malaysia and began a distinguished career as a teacher and researcher in the field of Islamic studies. He held various academic positions, including as a professor of Islamic Philosophy at the University of Malaya, as well as serving as the director of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to his academic work, Al-Attas is also known for his writings on Islam and its role in contemporary society. He has published numerous books and articles on topics such as Islamic philosophy, the concept of knowledge in Islam, and the relationship between Islam and other religions. He has also served as an advisor to various Islamic organizations and governments on issues related to Islamic thought and culture.
Al-Attas’ work has been widely recognized and appreciated in the Islamic world. He has been awarded numerous honors and accolades for his contributions to the field, including the prestigious King Faisal Award for Islamic Studies in 1990.
Al-Attas is also known for his work on the concept of the ‘Islamic Renaissance’ or the ‘Islamic Reformation’, which calls for the re-evaluation and re-interpretation of Islamic thought and culture in light of modern challenges and contemporary realities.
Books
Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas is the author of several books on Islamic philosophy and civilization. Some of his well-known books include:
- “Islam and Secularism” – In this book, Al-Attas addresses the question of the relationship between Islam and secularism, and argues for the compatibility of the two. He argues that Islam and secularism are not mutually exclusive, but rather that they can coexist and complement each other.
- “The Concept of Education in Islam” – In this book, Al-Attas explores the Islamic concept of education and its implications for the development of a truly Islamic civilization. He argues that education in Islam is not limited to the acquisition of knowledge, but also includes the cultivation of moral and spiritual values.
- “Prolegomena to the Metaphysics of Islam” – This is considered one of Al-Attas’ major works and in it, he provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of Islamic metaphysics. He also provides an analysis of the foundations of Islamic thought and the nature of Islamic knowledge.
- “The Mysticism of Hamzah Fansuri” – This book is an analysis of the works of Hamzah Fansuri, a prominent Sufi thinker and poet from the Malay world. Al-Attas provides a critical examination of Fansuri’s teachings and their significance in the development of Islamic mysticism in Southeast Asia.
- “The Philosophical Principles of the Natural Sciences” – this book is an exploration of the relationship between science and Islam, and the philosophical principles that underlie the natural sciences. Al-Attas argues that science is not in conflict with Islam, but rather that it is based on the same principles of rationality and observation that are at the heart of Islamic thought.
In conclusion, Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas is an influential Islamic scholar and thinker who has made significant contributions to the field of Islamic philosophy and civilization. His work has been widely recognized and appreciated in the Islamic world and beyond, and his writings continue to inspire and guide the Islamic community in their understanding of the religion and its role in the modern world.
Related
