Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty Passes away

By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai
Chairman
World Forum for Peace & Justice
Washington, DC

"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" 

"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return."

We are saddened to know the demise of Dato Dr Muhmmad Nur Manuty (December 12, 1949 – June 26, 2025) a highly respected Malaysian scholar and writer. He was a Malaysian parliamentarian, innovative academic, with a captivating personality. Compassion, generosity and kindness were the hallmarks of his life. He passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11.27 am (Malaysian time) at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang. His funeral was held at Masjid Al Umm in Bangi.

Dr Manuty was a cherished family friend, known for his countless virtues and exceptional qualities. I met him in 1981 at Temple University, Philadelphia. It was here that Dr Manuty introduced me to Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current prime minister when he visited Temple University in 1986, as the Minister of Education, Malaysia.

Qadar Chang, my wife, who was a student at Temple University described Dr Manuty and his wife as a “humble, simple and sincere family.”  She added that they were generous enough to greet a large number of Muslim students and their families at their home at Cooney Hall, Temple residential area, provided them not only food but also shelter and mentorship. She went on to say that Dr Manuty nurtured the growth of dozens of Malaysian students at Temple University through his professional guidance.

I concur with her entirely. Dr Manuty was mentor and guide not only to Malaysian students but also to other Muslim students at the Temple University. Whenever a Muslim student at Temple got married, Dr Manuty was present as an Imam. Whenever a Muslim student graduated, Dr. Manuty and his family showed up with sweets and flowers. On Eid, it was Dr Manuty who was leading the congregation with Takbiraat. He was always there to lend a helping hand to those who were in need.

When I and my wife visited Malaysia in March 2019 on the invitation of another family friend, Professor (Dr) Imtiyaz Yusuf, Dr Manuty and his family graciously welcomed us into their home in Kula Lumpur. It was an unforgettable get-together as they had invited more than dozen Temple alumni to this event. Dr Imtiyaz Yusuf was fortunate to visit Dr Manuty on Monday June 23, 2025, at the hospital. He recalls discussing the days spent together at Temple University. In fact, Dr Yusuf they cried together when they met. It was a very heart-touching meeting for us. Dr Yusuf described Dr Manuty as a person who dedicated his life in the service of Islam and who underwent many trials in his life.

Dr Manuty was the Chairman, Institute of Islamic Understanding, Malaysia (IKIM). He was also the Chairman, Board of Directors at Sultan Zainul Abidin University as well as the Deputy President of Wadah Pencerdasan Umat Malaysia, (Malaysian Association for the Enlightenment of the Ummah.) He was given the highest award by the Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore for his leadership, dedication and contribution to foster interfaith harmony. As a student leader, he was one of the founders of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM). He was elected its president between 1991-1997.

Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia who visited Dr Manuty at his hospital bed on June 24, 2025, called him a close friend, esteemed scholar and Islamic thinker. The Prime Minister added that Dr Manuty was a passionate figure in the field of religious thought, education and intellectual discourse.

The mission of Dr. Manuty was rooted in unshakeable devotion to Islamic principles. We will miss him a lot and will never forget his selfless contributions and tireless efforts for the Ummah! May Allah place his soul in paradise! Ameen.

Dr Fai is also the Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum. - gnfai2003@yahoo.com
www.kashmirawareness.org