Farewell to a Scholar: Farewell to a Scholar Honoring Professor Dr. Arif Ali Arif

By, Abdul Wahed Jalal Nori

In today’s world, scholars like Professor Dr. Arif are rare. He always emphasizes the importance of good behaviour before knowledge. As Ibn al-Qasim once said, “I served Imam Malik for 20 years, 18 of those years were spent learning good manners, and the remaining two years were spent acquiring knowledge. I wish that I had spent the entire 20 years learning good manners.” This philosophy deeply resonates with Professor Dr. Arif, who always focused on teaching good character and manners to his students at the IIUM.

His office was always opened to students and colleagues. He welcomed everyone, invited discussions on various ideas, offered advice on different issues, and even helped with personal problems. If he could not provide a solution, he would give advice on how to overcome challenges. From him, I learned how to deal with different people, I was also made to understand that interactions are not just physical exchanges but engagements with emotions and souls. He firmly believes in the inherent goodness of every person, advocating for nurturing their positive traits and using wisdom to reduce the negative ones.

Talking with Professor Dr. Arif, whether in person or over the phone, was like conversing with Imam Al-Ghazali himself. During his farewell speech recently, he revealed he had read Ihya Ulumuddin 40 times. He credited Imam Ghazali for shaping him into the person he is today and said he prays for the great scholar every day. He once advised me to buy the six volumes of Ihya Ulumuddin and keep them with me wherever I go—a piece of guidance that I have cherished deeply.

During his farewell speech, Professor Dr. Arif emphasized a principle he had stressed throughout his time at the IIUM; a lecturer should be more than just someone who teaches knowledge and goes home. He believes in reviving the close, meaningful relationships between Ustaz and students, a bond that has been weakened by the westernization of the Muslim world.

Professor Dr. Arif was also very generous. He would occasionally invite me to his home or a restaurant. At first, I thought I was the only one he invited, but I later realized he invited everyone he knew, making each of us feel like we were the closest to him. This is how the Prophet (pbuh) used to treat his companions—each one felt they were the closest to him.

The farewell event was full of deep emotions, and many people shed tears. People from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia gathered to honor this remarkable scholar. The day highlighted the profound impact Professor Dr. Arif has had on countless lives, including mine. His wisdom, kindness, and dedication to both knowledge and character will stay with us, inspiring future generations to uphold the true essence of Islamic scholarship.

During the farewell, one of Professor Dr. Arif’s students, now a lecturer at the IIUM, Dr. Muntaha bin Artalim Zaim, surprised Professor Dr. Arif with a book in Arabic titled (as it reads in English), “The Sheikh Professor Dr. Arif Ali Arif: The Alfaqih, Educator, Symbol of Wisdom, Affection, and Generosity.”

As we part ways with Professor Dr. Arif, we do so with heavy hearts but also with immense gratitude for the lasting mark he has left on our lives. His legacy of good manners, knowledge, and unwavering faith will continue to guide us, reminding us of the profound difference one person can make in the world.

(Abdulwahed Jalal Nori holds a PhD in Political Science and is Assistant Professor in the Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (FIDS) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His research interests include futures studies and political reform in the Islamic world. Email: wahed@iium.edu.my.)***