The International Union of
Muslim Scholars Offers Condolences on the Passing of a Prominent Malaysian
Scholar and Preacher, Professor Muhammad Nur Manuty
The International Union of Muslim Scholars
extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Dato' Muhammad Nur
Manuty, a member of the Union, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Union's
Malaysia Branch, and President of the Institute of Islamic Understanding
Malaysia (IKIM). He was one of the most prominent figures in Islamic thought,
preaching, and service in Southeast Asia.
He passed away on the morning of Thursday,
June 26, 2025, at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia, at
the age of 76, after a life filled with scholarly, preaching, and political
contributions.
The deceased was a model of a committed
scholar, sincere preacher, and balanced thinker. He dedicated his life to
serving Islam and defending its causes, contributed to spreading awareness and
moderate Islamic thought, and left a lasting legacy in the fields of education,
preaching, and community service.
Biography of
Professor Muhammad Nur Manuty
(December 12, 1949 – June 26, 2025)
A Malaysian thinker, academic, and
politician, Professor Manuty was among the most prominent contemporary Islamic
figures in Malaysia. He combined academic work with intellectual and political
activism, and was known for his influential presence in Islamic causes locally
and internationally.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 12, 1949, Professor Manuty
came from a Malay background and was raised on Islamic values that shaped his
intellectual and religious awareness from an early age.
Educational Background
Began his studies at the Islamic College of
Malaysia in Klang, Selangor (1970).
Obtained a Bachelor's degree in Fundamentals
of Religion and Philosophy from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) (1970–1974).
Earned his Master's (1978) and PhD (1988) in
Islamic Thought and Comparative Religion from Temple University in
Philadelphia, USA.
Academic Career
His academic journey spanned decades and
included key teaching and administrative roles:
Lecturer in the Department of Arabic Studies
and Islamic Civilization – UKM (1974–1983).
Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and later
Associate Professor in the Department of Fundamentals of Religion and
Comparative Religion – International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) (1983–1999).
Dean of Student Affairs – IIUM (1990–1994).
Dean of the Centre for Graduate Studies and
Community Service – IIUM (1995–1998).
Leadership Roles
Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sultan
Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Terengganu
(2018–2020).
President of Dar Al-Hikmah College, Selangor
(2021 until his passing).
President of the Institute of Islamic
Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) (from May 8, 2023 until his passing).
Member of the Malaysian Senate (Senator)
nominated by the Selangor State Assembly (December 17, 2015).
Intellectual and Community
Contributions
Islamic Education Advisor at Darul Arqam –
Singapore.
Director of CESMACS Center – Kuala Lumpur.
Visiting lecturer at the Markfield Institute
of Higher Education – Leicester, UK, and part-time lecturer at Dar Al-Hikmah
College – Kajang.
In early 2025, he received the highest medal
of honor from the Muslim Converts' Association of Singapore (MCAS) in
recognition of his leadership and intellectual and religious contributions.
Preaching and Educational
Activities
Secretary-General of the Malaysian Muslim
Students Association (PKPIM) in the 1970s.
President of the Muslim Youth Movement of
Malaysia (ABIM) (1991–1997), leading the organization through a sensitive
transitional phase and focusing on Muslim causes, particularly Bosnia and
Afghanistan.
Vice President of WADAH (Wadah Pencerdasan
Umat Malaysia).
Political Career
A prominent activist in the People's Justice
Party (PKR), member of its political bureau since April 2009, head of its media
division (2010–2014), and head of the Bureau of Religious Understanding and
Consolidation until his death.
Previously affiliated with the United Malays
National Organisation (UMNO), which he left after the dismissal of Anwar
Ibrahim in 1997, standing by him as a former ABIM president.
He contested in the 11th (1999) and 13th
(2013) general elections, maintaining a strong political presence despite not
winning a seat.
Intellectual Legacy
Professor Manuty left behind a significant
intellectual legacy. Among his most notable works:
Islam and Democracy
The Dialectic of the Word of God
The International Union of Muslim Scholars
extends its heartfelt condolences to the honorable family of the deceased, his
students and admirers, and to the beloved Malaysian people. We pray that
Almighty Allah envelops him in His vast mercy, honors his resting place,
rewards him for his knowledge and preaching, blesses his intellectual legacy,
and grants patience and solace to all.
Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we
shall return.
Doha: 29 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH
Corresponding to June 26, 2025
Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Sallabi Prof. Dr. Ali Mohyeddin
Al-Qaradaghi
Secretary
General
President
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* للاطلاع على الترجمة الكاملة للنعي باللغة العربية،
اضغط (هنا).