🌟 Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas: Pioneer of the Islamization of Knowledge

Definition and Meaning

Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib al- (b. 1931): A distinguished Malaysian thinker noted for his work in advocating for the Islamization of knowledge and rejecting the secular values often imported from the West. He is recognized for his contributions to preserving Malay identity and has had a profound influence on Islamic education and scholarship.

Etymology and Background

Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas’ name traces back to the Arabic root (سيد محمد نقیب العطاس). The title “Syed” indicates nobility and genealogy from the Prophet Muhammad, while “Naquib” is an honorific and “al-Attas” is his family name.

Historical Facts and Dates

• 1931: Born in Bogor, Java, in what was then Dutch East Indies.
• 1946-1949: Trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK.
• 1959: Graduated from the University of Malaya.
• 1970s: Became a mentor to the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM).
• 1987: Founded and directed the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (IS-TAC).

Historical Context and Contributions

• Islamization of Knowledge: Al-Attas is best known for promoting the integration of Islamic principles in contemporary disciplines. He believed that secular knowledge diluted the Muslim intellect and vociferously opposed the adoption of Western secular views.
• Anti-Secularism Stance: Through various works, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas emphasized that secularism eroded spiritual values and was detrimental to Islamic culture and values.
• Cultural Preservation: He defended and articulated Malay identity, seeking to retain cultural integrity amidst modernization pressures.
• Establishment of IS-TAC: Recognizing the need for an Islamic perspective in scholarly pursuits, he founded IS-TAC to foster academic work that upholds Islamic principles.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

• Western vs. Islamic Epistemology: Al-Attas contrasted the Western mode of thinking, which often separates secular from sacred, with Islamic thought that integrates all knowledge under divine guidance.
• Malay vs. Pan-Islamic Identity: While focusing on Malay identity, Al-Attas also revered broader Islamic civilization’s contributions, encouraging a balanced approach to national and religious identity.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Islamic Scholar, Philosopher, Islamization Advocate
• Antonyms: Secularist, Materialist, Westernization Advocate

Related Terms with Definitions

• ABIM: Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia - A youth movement in Malaysia that embraces Islamic values.
• Secularism: The principle of separation of state institutions from religious institutions and religious dignitaries.
• Knowledge: In Islamic context, often refers to ‘ʿilm’ which embodies religious and worldly sciences guided by Islamic teachings.

Exciting Facts

• Al-Attas introduced the term “Islamization of knowledge” which has since become a fundamental concept in Islamic educational reform.
• He played a crucial role in the development of Islamic higher education curricula in Malaysia.
• Al-Attas’ work influenced thinkers and educational institutions globally.

Notable Quotations

“Western culture, being based upon a secular metaphysical system, infects the Muslim worldview, and thereby causes a leveling of the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Muslim mind.” – Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas

References and Further Reading

• Al-Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib. Islam and Secularism. International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, 1993.
• Wan Daud, Wan Mohd Nor. The educational philosophy and practice of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas: An exposition of the original concept of Islamization. Islamic Book Trust, 1998.
• Al-Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib. The Concept of Education in Islam: A Framework for an Islamic Philosophy of Education. ABIM, 1980.

For inspiration and extensive academic work, delve into the writings and lectures by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas which continue to resonate within contemporary Islamic thought.

Thought-Provoking Farewell

“Seek knowledge under the shade of Tawhid (Oneness of God), for only then can the heart and mind find true harmony and understanding.” - Elena Rahman, 2023