Dr. Fazlur Rahman Faridi, a renowned thinker and Islamic economist of global repute and former Editor of Radiance Viewsweekly, breathed his last at his residence in Aligarh on July 25, 2011. He was 79.
Born in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh on April 4, 1932, Dr. Faridi received his early education at Jaunpur before doing his graduation and post graduation from Allahabad University and doctoral research in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). And after doing an intensive course of Islamic Studies at Thanvi Darsgah Rampur, he joined AMU as Lecturer in Economics. Eighteen years thereafter he rendered his services in King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia for about 10 years.
Dr. Faridi, who was one of the think-tanks of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, had been on the Jamaat’s Central Advisory Council and Central Representatives Council for a quite long time. He was also the Editor of Urdu monthly Zindagi-e-Nau and English magazine Radiance Viewsweekly. Besides, he was Secretary of Idara-e-Tahqeeq-o-Tasneef. He was Chairman of Indian Centre for Islamic Finance (ICIF). He made his mark in the Islamic Movement as an Islamic scholar and thinker.
Dr. Faridi has to his credit about two dozen books in Urdu and English, mostly on Islamic Economics. Along with Dr. M. Nejatullah Siddiqi, Dr. Faridi’s name is from among the front-rankers in India who have provided solid foundation for academic and research work in Islamic Economics.
His works in English include Nature and Significance of Economic Activity in Islam, Towards a Theory of Fiscal Policy in Islam, Economic Developments and Islamic Moral Values, Essays in Islamic Economic Analysis, Islamic Economics and Economy of Indian Muslims, Living as a Muslim in a Plural Society, Economic Development and Fiscal Policy in Egypt, Indian Economic Development and Planning(1951-1965). In addition to these books he has written scores of articles and booklets on issues like globalisation, reform of society, propagation of religion, etc.
His works in Urdu include Sarmayadarana Nizam: Ek Challenge, Daur-e-Hazir ka Karb aur Islam ka Nizam-e-Rahmat, Adl ki Talash, and Islam Aalmi Amn ka Naqeeb.
President Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, Vice Presidents Muhammad Jafar and Professor K.A. Siddique Hasan, and Secretary-General Nusrat Ali have expressed their deep sense of sadness on the demise of Dr. Faridi and prayed to God for his forgiveness.
In a statement, Mohd. Azharuddin, President, Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) also condoled the demise of Dr. Faridi saying, “Dr. Faridi had been a mentor to the growth of Islamic economics in the country. His passing away is a loss of intellectual treasure and guidance.”
He has left behind three sons and one daughter as well as his widow, Mrs. Anwar Jahan. His funeral prayer was held at Jama Masjid Aligarh at 8:30 a.m. on July 26, and he was buried in the graveyard of Aligarh Muslim University.