One Left the Country, the Other Left the World: A Tribute to Dr. Ahmed Yousaf Al-Darvesh and Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani

In a heartfelt remembrance penned by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Editor-in-Chief of HunarNama, two towering figures of education - Dr. Ahmed Yousaf Al-Darvesh and Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani honored not only for their intellectual legacies but also for the deep human values they embodied.

A Farewell to Service: Dr. Ahmed Yousaf Al-Darvesh

Dr. Ahmed Yousaf Al-Darvesh, a distinguished Saudi scholar and former President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), left Pakistan in 2020 after years of dedicated service. His tenure was marked by tireless efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue, strengthen Islamic scholarship, and modernize institutional frameworks at IIUI. Known for his graceful diplomacy and scholarly presence, Dr. Al-Darvesh brought a quiet strength to the role, leaving behind a university community better aligned with both traditional values and contemporary challenges.

Though he left the country, his contributions remain deeply etched in the academic landscape of Pakistan and the hearts of those he led.

A Final Departure: Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani

In stark contrast, Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani a stalwart of IIUI has left this world. A former Vice President and renowned educator, Dr. Jumani passed away in 2024, leaving an academic void that is not easily filled. A lifelong advocate for inclusive education and modern pedagogy, he authored over 100 research publications and mentored countless scholars across Pakistan. As Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, his vision shaped curricula and policy far beyond the International Islamic University Islamabad.

His death was not just a loss to academia but to the very spirit of enlightened education in Pakistan.

“This Is the Reality of the World”

Reflecting on the fates of his two close friends, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar captures a universal truth: “This is the reality of the world. One left the country; the other left the world. Let’s make the best of the life and the day we are breathing.” His words are both a tribute and a quiet call to action honoring those we’ve lost by living with purpose and kindness.

Legacies That Transcend Borders

Though their paths diverged, one in departure, the other in leaving this world, Dr. Al-Darvesh and Dr. Jumani shared a commitment to knowledge, humility, and the betterment of society. Their legacies continue to guide educators, policymakers, and students alike.

May we carry forward the torch they lit and, in doing so, ensure their memory is never dimmed.