Tributes pour in for Professor Khurshid Ahmad, pillar of Islamic thought

Global leaders, scholars, honour the life and legacy of Professor Khurshid Ahmad, towering Islamic economist, intellectual, and activist who shaped generations through his scholarship

By Safeer Raza

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — An outpouring of tributes from across the world has followed the passing of Professor Khurshid Ahmad, a leading figure in Islamic scholarship, economics, and political thought, who died on Sunday at the age of 93.

Voices spanning ideological and geographical divides hailed him as a principled intellectual, mentor, and architect of modern Islamic thought, whose influence extended far beyond Pakistan.

Khalid Rahman, head of Pakistan’s Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), described Professor Ahmad as a “distinguished intellectual and leader not only for Pakistan but for the broader Muslim world.”

Speaking to MNTV, Rahman credited Professor Ahmad’s legacy with shaping generations through his pioneering role in institution-building and Islamic economics, inspired by figures like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal, and enriched by his lifelong association with Maulana Maududi.

Rahman further noted that Professor Ahmad championed peace, constitutionalism, and democratic values both within and beyond Pakistan’s borders.

“He was a foundational figure whose scholarly rigour and commitment to Islamic economics remain unparalleled,” he said.

Throughout his life, Professor Ahmad remained a staunch advocate of principled politics and Islamic scholarship.

A key figure in Jamaat-e-Islami and a close confidant of Maulana Maududi, he authored and edited dozens of books, established and patronised major academic institutions such as IPS in Islamabad, and co-founded The Islamic Foundation in the United Kingdom.

Former parliamentarian and senior Jamaat-e-Islami member Farid Paracha praised Professor Ahmad’s unwavering loyalty to Maududi’s ideological and political path, describing him as a model of integrity.

Speaking to MNTV, Paracha highlighted Professor Ahmad’s consistent support for global just causes, especially his enduring solidarity with Palestine.

“On a personal level, he was a humble and kind soul, always ready to offer thoughtful and encouraging advice,” Paracha recalled.

Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also paid homage, calling Professor Ahmad “a monumental figure” who “advanced Islamic economics” and inspired future generations. Expressing deep sorrow, the Prime Minister offered prayers for the departed soul and condolences to his family.

International leaders joined in the tributes.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Professor Ahmad as “an architect of modern Islamic economic thought,” acknowledging his foundational role in institutions like The Islamic Foundation in Leicester.

Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also recognised Professor Ahmad’s contribution to Islamic academia, citing his authorship of 70 books and his leadership in numerous global forums. “He was a distinguished scholar and Islamic activist whose legacy will endure,” Iqbal said.

Professor Ahmad’s towering impact stretched across continents and disciplines, and was recognised by prestigious awards, including Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, and the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam.

Afghan politician Fazl-ul-Hadi Wazeen, a member of the World Union of Muslim Scholars, mourned the loss, describing Professor Ahmad as “a great scholar, noble politician, meticulous researcher, teacher of generations, and one of the shining stars of the contemporary Islamic awakening.”

Reflecting on his lifelong journey, Wazeen, who is also a professor recalled how Professor Ahmad, born into a family steeped in knowledge and faith, embarked on his service to Islam early on by joining Jamaat-e-Islami and benefiting directly from Maulana Maududi’s mentorship.

“One of his greatest services was translating Maududi’s works into English and other languages, making Islamic thought accessible to a global audience,” Wazeen noted.

He praised Professor Ahmad’s relentless academic and da’wah activities, even amid ill health, and his ability to blend scientific, intellectual, and spiritual pursuits seamlessly.

“I had the honour of meeting the late master Khurshid Ahmed many times. In every meeting, I benefited from his wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality,” he shared, offering condolences on behalf of himself, his family, and the people of Afghanistan.

Wazeen prayed for Professor Ahmad’s forgiveness and elevated ranks in Paradise, calling him “one of the most respected figures of the Islamic Ummah.”

The passing of Professor Khurshid Ahmad leaves a deep void in the global Islamic intellectual landscape. Yet, the towering institutions he founded, the scholarship he nurtured, and the generations he mentored ensure that his legacy will continue to illuminate the path for future scholars, activists, and leaders worldwide.