In the intellectual and practical continuity of the Islamic movement, there are a few people who, by virtue of their accomplishments, become an institution all to themselves. Professor Khurshid Ahmad was one such figure.
Khurshid on the face of the earth
Khurshid Ahmad, undoubtedly
In this caravan, far and wide
There is no one like you.
These verses by Dr. Muhammad Aurangzeb Rahber beautifully reflect the greatness, uniqueness, high status, and extraordinary personality of Prof. Ahmad. He was not just an individual, but he embodied an entire era, a movement, and a school of thought. His life was a manifestation of multifaceted and comprehensive qualities, characterized by intellectual and practical struggle. The balance, discipline, breadth of thought and vision, scholarly depth, academic comprehensiveness, purposefulness, patience, and politeness found in his personality is rarely seen in others.
Here I have made a humble attempt to summarize his distinguished qualities; as his student and mentee, this is the very least I can do.
International recognition and intellectual representation
Prof. Ahmad’s influence extended beyond the national level. As one of the pioneers of Islamic economics, he represented Islam, Pakistan, and the Islamic movement at numerous international forums. His writings and lectures provide deep insights into Islamic economics, politics, and society, and are highly regarded in academic and research circles worldwide. A great thinker, he was among the close companions of scholar Syed Abul A’la Maududi and was an excellent interpreter and commentator of his thought. He not only introduced Maududi’s ideology in Europe and the Western world, he also made it understandable in a Western context, further expanding its impact. Ahmad had strong connections with global Islamic movements and provided guidance and support to the international circles of Jamaat-e-Islami, an Indian political organization. His interactions with secular and religious circles outside the Islamic movement were based on mutual respect, affection, and cooperation. The academic dialogues with these circles reflect his open-mindedness.
Broad-mindedness and vision
Prof. Ahmad was extremely visionary, sharp-sighted, and quick-witted. He had a creative and strategic mind and possessed exceptional capabilities in decision-making, policy-making, and institution-building. He had a complete and clear understanding of areas where there were gaps and more work was needed. He institutionalized intellectual and practical proposals, whether the Islamic Foundation in Leicester or the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). Until his last breath, he actively participated in research work and supervised the monthly magazine “Tarjuman-ul-Quran.” One of the prominent aspects of his life was searching for, compiling, and presenting various educational material related to the Islamic movement in a way beneficial for the younger generation. His mentorship of youth was exemplary, highlighting his leadership abilities. He was a historic and epoch-making personality.
Academic comprehensiveness and intellectual diversity
When deciding on his career, Ahmad carefully chose the field of academia and achieved a high position in it. His intellectual depth, extensive study, and analytical skills were unparalleled. He wrote as much as he studied, often more. He engaged in a planned and goal-oriented study that constantly provided healthy nourishment for his thought and vision, taking into account the contemporary challenges and the needs of the movement and religion. Diversity and selection were always at the forefront of his study objectives. His writings were not merely a transmission of ideas but a distillation of research, observations, and experiences. He was endowed with the ability to assess the future based on critical analysis of the present and past. He was a beautiful blend of classical and modern knowledge. Taking notes in every session and meeting, collecting and analyzing the information obtained from his studies, previous knowledge, observations, and experiences, to conclusion was his unique trait.
Because of his passion for learning, his life was not confined to any specific academic or intellectual domain. He simultaneously had mastery over Islamic worldview, Islamic da’wah in the West, civilizational conflicts, Islamic education systems, Islamic politics and economics, prevailing laws and constitutions, philosophy, literature, and knowledge of religious and human needs. Ahmad authored and compiled numerous books and received several national and international awards, including the “First Islamic Development Bank Award,” the “Shah Faisal Award,” and Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the “Nishan-e-Imtiaz.” He also made his mark in politics, serving as a member of Pakistan’s Senate, was federal minister for Planning and Development, and deputy chairman of the Planning Commission of the Government of Pakistan. He also served as the vice president of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan.
He was a strategist and thinker, teacher and researcher, mentor and guide, reformer and administrator, author and writer.
Disciplined and purposeful life
Prof. Ahmad was extremely organized, disciplined, and committed to adhering to order, and he maintained a heartfelt and conscious devotion to his mission. He was an exemplary model of moral and spiritual strength, intellectual clarity, and steadfastness in the path of Allah (SWT). His sincerity, passion, dedication, hard work, and mental focus were unimaginable. He engaged only in purposeful activities and devoted every moment to the mission of iqamat ud deen (establishment of the deen).
Many ideological individuals remain confined to theoretical realms, but Ahmad was a practical man. He was not merely a thinker but was well-versed in translating intellectual frameworks into practical reality. Whether in politics or economics, he continuously sought to find pathways and opportunities within the current system and gradually strengthen his grip. The profound and incisive critique of both the capitalist and communist economic systems by Maududi, exposing their inherent flaws with intellectual rigor, opened up pathways for the future in which Ahmad played a key role. The work he did to bring the theoretical framework of Islamic economics into practical realms needs no introduction. Thus, he is recognized as one of the earliest architects of Islamic banking.
Patience, politeness, and humility
The true test of great personalities lies in their humility and modesty. Prof. Ahmad’s tone was dignified, his temperament polite, and his behavior tolerant. He respected differing opinions and viewed them with broad-mindedness. He had the quality of understanding others’ perspectives and learning from them. Despite his intellectual superiority, he never sought to elevate and glorify himself, matching his humility and forbearance to his level of academic dignity. He avoided imposing his personality, adhered completely to the etiquette of communal life, and was an exemplary model of practical excellence. His simplicity and selflessness reflected his sincerity. His distance from the pursuit of fame and indifference to the love of prestige further enhanced his credibility. Despite the monumental academic, research, and movement-related work he accomplished, he never derived any personal or familial benefit, even if it was justified.
Whenever I sit down to document his character, a new chapter of his qualities begins to knock at the doors of my thoughts.
“In every person, there are ten to twenty people;
To truly see someone, one must see them many times.”
Prof. Ahmad may have departed from us, but his intellectual, ideological, and movement-based legacy will continue to illuminate the path for future generations. He was a radiant sun on the horizon of knowledge and wisdom, whose light will forever brighten the dark paths of thought and action. Undoubtedly, the fragrance of his writings will always be felt. May Allah (SWT) grant him forgiveness and elevate his status and make his religious, movement-related, national, and communal services a continuous charity for him. Ameen.
“For the death of Qais was not merely the death of one person,
But rather the collapse of the foundation of a whole nation.”
