IPS holds memorial session for Dr. Umer Chapra and Dr. Naquib al-Attas
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, hosted an extended in-house memorial session on June 22 in remembrance of two towering intellectuals of the contemporary Muslim world: Dr. Muhammad Umer Chapra (1933–2026) and Royal Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas (1931–2026).
Dr. Chapra, one of the most influential Islamic economists of modern times, played a pivotal role in shaping Islamic economic thought and contributed significantly to the development of Saudi Arabia’s financial and banking sector during his long service at the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). His seminal works, including Towards a Just Monetary System and Islam and the Economic Challenge, continue to inspire scholars and practitioners worldwide.
Professor al-Attas was a distinguished philosopher, educationist, and civilizational thinker whose ideas on Islamization of knowledge, education, and Islamic worldview transformed intellectual discourse across the Muslim world. As the founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), he left an enduring institutional and scholarly legacy.
The gathering remembered their intellectual contributions, shared personal memories, and explored the continuing relevance of their ideas for addressing contemporary challenges facing Muslim societies.
The memorial session presented reflections and tributes from distinguished scholars and colleagues, including Dr. Ugi Suharto, Faculty of Economics and Business, Indonesian International Islamic University (IIIU) and the Director, Centre of Excellence in Islamic Finance for SDGs; Dr. Adi Setia, co-founder and Academic Director, Institute of Regenerative Livelihoods; Prof. Dr. Atiquzzafar Khan, Head of Department, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University; Dr. Salman Syed Ali, former Research Lead, Islamic Development Bank; Prof. Dr. Tamia Sabiha, professor at International Islamic University, Islamabad; Saleem Chapra, nephew of Dr. Umer Chapra; and Khalid Rahman, Chairman, IPS, Islamabad.
Drawing upon their personal interactions, academic engagements, and professional associations with the late scholars, the speakers shared insights into the intellectual legacy, scholarly contributions, and enduring influence of Dr. Chapra and Professor al-Attas on Islamic economics, education, philosophy, and contemporary Muslim thought.
