Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-
Attas, Syed Muhammad Naquib al- (b. 1931) is a prominent Malaysian thinker renowned for his intellectual contributions to the integration of Islamic principles within various disciplines of knowledge and the preservation of Malay identity. He has served as a mentor to the Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) during the 1970s and is the founder-director of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) since 1987.
Etymology and Translations:
- Arabic: سيد محمد نقيب العطاس (Sayyid Muhammad Naqib al-Attas)
- Turkish: Seyyid Muhammed Nakib el-Atas
Early Life and Education
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas was born in 1931 in Bogor, Indonesia, into a prominent family with deep-rooted Islamic and Malay heritage. He received early education in Malaysia and then pursued military training at Sandhurst Military Academy in Britain, before moving on to academic studies at the University of Malaya.
Contribution to Malay Identity
Al-Attas is known for his defense of Malay identity against the encroachment of secular and Western influences. He has written extensively on the subject, arguing that preserving Malay cultural and religious values is essential for the spiritual and intellectual development of the Malays.
Islamization of Knowledge
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas is best known for his pioneering work on the Islamization of Knowledge. He proposes that all knowledge must be integrated with Islamic values and that secularism is a Western construct that detrimentally “levels” the Muslim intellect. Al-Attas’ vision is significant for its high civilizational approach which spans various fields such as philosophy, history, and sciences.
Rejection of Secularism
Al-Attas critiques secularism as a hegemonic and homogenizing force originating from Western thought. He maintains that secularism strips knowledge of its sacred foundation and reduces it to mere utility. He advocates for a return to an Islamic epistemological framework which recognizes the divine origins of all knowledge.
Institutional Leadership
In 1987, Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas established the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The institute aims to revive Islamic intellectualism and promote a more nuanced understanding of civilization through an Islamic lens. Under his directorship, ISTAC has grown into a notable center for scholarly research and intellectual discourse.
ABIM and Mentorship
During the 1970s, al-Attas played a significant role as a mentor to Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), shaping its ideological and educational approaches. His influence helped mold ABIM into a significant Islamic youth movement within Malaysia.
Contributions and Publications
Al-Attas has authored numerous books and articles, among which include:
- Islam and Secularism
- The Concept of Education in Islam: A Framework for an Islamic Philosophy of Education
- Prolegomena to the Metaphysics of Islam
Suggested Books for Further Studies:
- Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1978). Islam and Secularism.
- Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1993). The Concept of Education in Islam: A Framework for an Islamic Philosophy of Education.
- Wan Daud, W. M. (2013). A Commentary on the Hujjat al-Siddiq of Al-Attas.
Takeaways and Conclusion:
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas stands out as a towering figure in contemporary Islamic thought. His rigorous critique of secularism and his promotion of the Islamization of knowledge have had extensive impacts on both the global and local Muslim intellectual landscapes. By rooting his philosophy in the sacred and historical experience of Muslim civilization, al-Attas provides a compelling vision for integrating faith and reason in the modern world.
In a rapidly changing global context, his work underscores the importance of retaining cultural and religious identity while engaging with the wider world. Understanding al-Attas’ contributions is essential for those interested in Islamic philosophy, educational reform, and the decolonization of knowledge.
