He founded the Institute of Objective Studies to create a research-based think tank for the intellectual and social empowerment of Indian Muslims and other marginalised communities.
NEW DELHI — Visionary scholar, global thinker, mentor, and a tireless advocate for education, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalised communities, Dr Muhammad Manzoor Alam, breathed his last in the national capital early Tuesday at the age of 80. His loss is deeply felt across academic, social, and religious circles in India and all over the globe.
Born in 1945, Dr Alam earned his PhD in economics from Aligarh Muslim University, where he developed a profound interest in Islamic social sciences, economic reform, and the advancement of knowledge for societal transformation.
Dr Alam’s illustrious career spanned multiple countries and institutions. He served as economic advisor at the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia, Associate Professor of Islamic Economics at Riyadh’s Imam Muhammad bin Saud University, Chief Coordinator for the translation of the Qur’an at the King Fahd Printing Complex in Madinah, Chief Representative of India at the International Islamic University, Malaysia and an active member of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Scholarship Program Committee.
He also held leadership and advisory positions in numerous organisations: Institute of Objective Studies (Founder & Chairman), All India Milli Council (General Secretary), Muslim Social Sciences Association (President), Fiqh Academy, Indian Association of Muslim Social Scientists, Indo-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum, and multiple international advisory boards.
In 1986, Dr. Alam founded the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) in New Delhi with the vision of creating a research-based think tank for the intellectual and social empowerment of Indian Muslims and other marginalised communities. Under his leadership, IOS became a hub for academic research, policy analysis, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy for minority rights. Dr Alam emphasised ethical scholarship, rigorous research, and practical solutions to societal challenges. The institute has published numerous research volumes, organized international conferences, and nurtured generations of scholars under his mentorship.
Dr Alam was deeply engaged with global Muslim intellectuals and reformers, including Prof Ismail Raji Faruqi, Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawakkil, Prof Umar Kasoli, Dr Abdul Hamid AbuSulayman, and others. He also collaborated with policymakers, religious scholars, and academics worldwide, strengthening networks for research, dialogue, and education. His work on Islamic economics, interfaith dialogue, minority empowerment, and the Islamisation of knowledge continues to inspire scholars globally.
Among his many writings, Dr Alam’s work titled “The Final Wakeup Call” addresses media freedom, global narratives, and marginalised voices, emphasising the importance of creating platforms for underrepresented communities. In addition, he wrote extensively on contemporary issues faced by Indian Muslims, interfaith understanding, Islamic economy, education, and social reform.
Dr Alam’s mentorship touched hundreds of scholars, researchers, and activists. Colleagues and students alike have praised his vision, guidance, humility, and ability to combine deep thought with practical action. He was known for nurturing talent, promoting collaboration, and integrating ethical principles with scholarship.
Dr Alam leaves behind an enduring legacy of scholarship, leadership, and social reform. His vision for empowering the marginalised, promoting knowledge, and fostering ethical and intellectual growth continues through the institutions he built and the lives he transformed. He will be remembered as a guiding light, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for justice and knowledge.
He is survived by his sons, Mohammad Alam and Ibrahim Alam, who continue his work through leadership at IOS and related publications.
