A scholar of substance: Tributes paid to the enduring legacy of Prof Khurshid Ahmad
Prof Khurshid Ahmad’s humility, warmth, and grace were among the defining qualities of his personality, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His mentorship and remarkable ability to uplift and guide generations of scholars and thinkers remain an enduring part of his legacy. Alongside his academic pursuits and ideological commitments, he nurtured a deep love for literature, the Urdu language, and poetic expression.
This was shared at a heartfelt literary gathering titled “Mehfil-e-Sher-o-Sukhan” held in the cherished memory of Professor Khurshid Ahmad, an eminent scholar, intellectual, economist, reformer, and statesman. The event was organized by Daira Ilm-o-Adab Pakistan (DIAP) in collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, on April 29, 2025.
The gathering brought together distinguished poets, literary figures, and scholars who paid eloquent tributes to the legacy of Prof Khurshid. The speakers included Dr Iftikhar Burney, senior vice president DIAP, Ahmad Hatib Siddique, central president DIAP, Muhammad Zaigham Mughira, patron DIAP, Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS, literary critic and scholar Dr Zafar Hussain Zafar, scholar and academic Dr Habib-ur-Rehman Asim, author Muhammad Hameed Shahid, and religious scholar Khalil-ur-Rehman Chishti. The session was chaired by Dr Anis Ahmad, vice chancellor of Riphah International University and brother of Prof Khurshid, and moderated by Mazhar Danish.
Speakers expressed their reverence through heartfelt prose and evocative verse, recalling personal anecdotes and reflecting on the profound impact of Prof Khurshid Ahmad’s intellectual, literary, and public life. They unanimously noted that his demise had created a huge void. Yet, his enduring contributions, in the form of speeches, writings, and legislative insights, continue to offer guidance in an era increasingly bereft of moral and intellectual clarity.
Participants lauded Prof Khurshid’s pioneering role in promoting Islamic economics and interest-free banking, recognizing his stature as a global authority in the field, a stature that earned him numerous international accolades. His influence, however, transcended economics. A literary connoisseur from his youth, Prof Khurshid went on to edit the influential magazine Chiragh-e-Rah and continued to enrich Urdu literature with thoughtful works across genres.
His literary sensibility, combined with his command over both Islamic and contemporary thought, allowed him to mentor generations of scholars and leaders. Known for his wisdom and intellectual depth, Prof Khurshid was remembered as a polymath who devoured books himself and inspired others to do the same, often gifting books to encourage a culture of reading.
Speakers noted that Prof Khurshid possessed the foresight to perceive challenges well before others, and time often validated his insights. They were of the view that while the Islamic movement has been affected by Prof Khurshid’s passing, his legacy continues to illuminate the path forward. Participants emphasized the need to preserve and propagate his multifaceted contributions so that institutions and ideologies may continue to flourish.
In concluding remarks, Dr Anis Ahmad highlighted Prof Khurshid’s rare ability to address the West in its own idiom, and underscored his unparalleled role in articulating Maulana Maududi’s vision and ideology. He also stressed the need for a renewed commitment to the values that defined Prof Khurshid’s life, such as integrity, intellectual discipline, and a visionary dedication to the Ummah.
