Professor Hans Daiber: unwavering dedication to scholarship

By YASIEN MOHAMED

It has been eight months and the academic community still mourns the loss of Professor Hans Daiber, a distinguished scholar of Islamic philosophy, who passed away on August 13, 2024. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Helga, and their two children.

Professor Daiber’s remarkable life was marked by his unwavering dedication to scholarship and his profound knowledge of Islamic philosophy. His wife shared a poignant detail, revealing that he was listening to the Quran on his deathbed.

I had the privilege of meeting Professor Daiber in 1992 at the Free University of Amsterdam, where I earned my MA degree under his expert guidance. He later supervised my PhD dissertation on the ethics of al-Raghib al-Isfahani at Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/M, where he served as Professor from 1995-2010.

He also served as a guest professor at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with and form a lasting bond with the renowned Professor Naquib al-Attas, the founder and director of the institute, and a leading figure in Islamic thought and civilization.

Professor Daiber’s notable works include the seminal Bibliography of Islamic Philosophy (3 vols., 1999, 2007), an annotated bibliography of ten thousand titles in various languages, including Arabic, German, and French. He also served as a series editor for ‘Brill’s Islamic Philosophy, Theology and Sciences’ (IPTS) volumes for many years.

Professor Daiber’s wisdom, guidance, and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my academic journey. I cherish the memories of our weekly meetings and dinners, where we engaged in stimulating discussions on Islamic philosophy.

Sadly, I was unable to surprise him with the completed translation of Isfahani’s ethical treatise, The Art of Cultivating Noble Character, which is set to be published by Whitethread Press in London. Divine Providence had other plans.

Professor Daiber’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive academic achievements. He was a kind, compassionate, and selfless individual who made a profound impact on countless lives. His daughter, Verena, curator of an Islamic Art museum, fondly remembered him as a devoted father and husband.

Despite his unwavering commitment to scholarship, Professor Daiber remained humble and kind. His intellectual generosity and dedication inspired countless students, colleagues, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The world has lost a remarkable scholar, a brilliant mind, and a compassionate soul. His contributions to the field of Islamic philosophy will continue to inspire future generations.