In Memoriam: Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas (1931–2026)

Renowned scholar and thinker of contemporary Islamic civilization, Prof. Diraja Tan Sri Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas, passed away on 8 March 2026 at the age of 95. A towering figure in Islamic philosophy, thought, and Malay civilization, his passing is a profound loss to the world of knowledge.

Born in 1931, he began his formative studies at the English College in 1946, and went on to become one of the most influential Islamic scholars of the modern era. His contributions include advancing the concept of the Islamization of knowledge, pioneering educational reform for Muslim communities, and producing seminal works on tasawuf, metaphysics, cosmology, philosophy, and Malay language and literature.

Among his most significant achievements is the theory of the Islamization of the Malay World, detailing the spread and influence of Islam throughout the Malay-Indonesian region. His ideas continue to shape scholarship on civilization, education, and Islamic thought, and his legacy will inspire generations to come.

His passing has drawn tributes from across the world. Yusuf Islam described Syed Naquib as a major inspiration behind the development of Islamic education initiatives, noting that his ideas on the Islamization of knowledge influenced the founding of the Islamia School in 1983 and shaped curriculum discussions following the 1977 World Conference on Muslim Education in Makkah.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid tribute to him as one of the greatest intellectual figures of the modern Muslim world, whose seminal works -- including Islam and Secularism and Prolegomena to the Metaphysics of Islam -- challenged the secularisation of knowledge and laid the philosophical foundations for an Islamic worldview.

The intellectual legacy of Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas will continue to influence discussions on civilisation, philosophy and Islamic education for generations to come. May his immense contributions to knowledge and thought always be remembered.

Hampstead, Keats, and Good Donuts

A couple of years ago today, after a long walk across Hampstead Heath, I stumbled upon a quiet literary gem -- Keats House.

It was one of those perfect London days: clear skies, crisp air, and the kind of slow wandering that leads to unexpected discoveries. I peeked inside the house and even picked up a book, but decided to skip the entrance fee and simply enjoy the moment from the outside.

For those who may not know, Keats House was once home to John Keats, one of England’s great Romantic poets. He lived there in the early 1800s and wrote some of his most famous works during that time, including parts of Ode to a Nightingale. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine the young poet walking the nearby heath, drawing inspiration from the same landscape.

The day ended on a perfect note — delectable donuts at a vegan café nearby, followed by a browse through the always-wonderful Daunt Books.

Sometimes the best travel memories aren’t the big attractions, but the little discoveries in between.

The Shah Alam Stadium: Goals, Glory & Bon Jovi

This pic popped up on my Facebook Memories -- March 2019. JDT had just beaten Selangor 4–2. It was probably the last time I watched a match at Shah Alam Stadium.

Fun fact: when the 80,000-capacity stadium officially opened in 1994, I was there with my uni mates -- among the first to sit on those shiny new seats. We didn’t quite realise then that we were witnessing the start of an era.

Marking that grand opening on 16.7.1994, fans were treated to a series of high-profile matches: Selangor vs Dundee United F.C., Leeds United F.C. vs Australia national under-23 team, and Selangor vs FC Bayern München. Among the stars on display was French striker Jean-Pierre Papin. At the time, it was the largest stadium in the region -- a true source of pride.

After that, I became a regular. Malaysia League matches, cup finals, international friendlies -- Shah Alam Stadium was the place to be. And of course, one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended: Bon Jovi live in 1995. Electric.

As we all know, in 2024, demolition works began to make way for the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) redevelopment project, which is expected to be fully completed by 2029.

End of an era. But what memories it gave us.