founding father
Introduction
Al-Marhum Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Ahmad bin Mohamed Ibrahim came
from a religious family in Singapore. His father was a medical practitioner,
active in Islamic social and welfare activities. 
Thus, it is not suprising that Al-Marhum emulated him. After a distinguished
scholastic career in Singapore and Cambridge University, Al-Marhum held a
wide range of law-related appointments in Singapore : Magistrate, District
Judge, Law Lecturer, Advocate & Solicitor, Member of Legislative Council,
District Judge, Senior Crown Counsel, State Advocate General, Attorney General,
Ambassador to United Arab Republic, and the island's main
negotiater in legal matters connected to the merger of Malaya and Singapore.
Al-Marhum was appointed as Professor of Legal Studies at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (1969 - 1972), Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (1972 - 1983), Professor Emeritus, University of Malaya (1984) and the Shaikh and the Dean of the Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University of Malaysia (1983 - 1999).
Al-Marhum was instrumental in the establishment, and the founding dean, of two prominent Law Schools : the Faculty of Law in University of Malaya, and the Kulliyyah of Laws in the International Islamic University Malaysia. His lifelong interest in developing the comparative study of civil law and Shari'ah saw its fruition in International Islamic University Malaysia. This gave Al-Marhum ample opportunity to formulate and implement an integrated and harmonized legal education system in Kulliyyah of Laws. Signficantly the Shari'ah legal system came to be recognised and accorded a meaningful role within the Malaysian legal system. He also attempted to incorporate Shari'ah principles and values into the basically civil law system of Malaysia by applying the comparative approach.
Al-Marhum's legal thoughts took the form of proposals to introduce various reforms to the civil and Shari'ah legal systems in Malaysia and Singapore. The epitome of his endeavour to elevate the position of the Shari'ah was the amendment to Article 121 of the Federal Constitution by inserting clause (1A). Al-Marhum endeavoured to have Islamic law simplify its application. Al-Marhum's involvement in various committees established by the Malaysian and State Governments saw the reorganization of the Shari'ah courts and recasting of Shari'ah legislation introduced during the British colonial era.
Apart from his intellectual prowess, Al-Marhum's great achievements can be attributed to his ability to manage time; a quality enjoined on all Muslims by Allah (swt). Al-Marhum rarely indulged in idle chatter at meetings but discussed only relevant matters. This ensure that meetings were concluded within the specified time. Al-Marhum rarely cancelled his lectures to attend meetings as he had a passion for teaching. Al-Marhum's success can be attributed to his observance of Islamic religious practices. He was well known for his humility, caring ways and patience in dealing with his colleagues and students. Al-Marhum was known to remain in the state of wudu' at all times which, he explained, protected him from illness, when asked about his impressive good health and stamina. He lived up to the teachings of Islam to regard one's work as ibadah. He assumed all responsibilities as amanah from Allah (swt). As may be expected of such a person, he died in harness; completing his book on 'Undang-Undang Keluarga Islam di Malaysia' a few days before breathing his last.
Educational & Academic Achievements
Al Marhum received his early education at Victoria Bridge School, Singapore and continued with his secondary education at Raffles Institution Singapore. Later he studied at Raffles College, Singapore for the London B.A. External degree. On being awarded the Queen’s Scholarship he went to England to study at St. John’s College, Cambridge and Middle Temple, London. He received various degrees and honours for his academic excellence. Among them are as follows:
He was also awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D) from the University of Singapore on 5th June 1965.
Working Experiences
In 1946 Al Marhum served as a Magistrate in Singapore and was later appointed as District Judge of Singapore in 1947. In 1948 he became a law lecturer at Raffles College before becoming an advocate and solicitor from 1949 to 1955. He was also a member of the Legislative Council of Singapore from 1952 to 1955. In 1955 he again served as a Magistrate and District Judge of Singapore before being appointed as Crown Counsel in 1956, Senior Crown Counsel in 1957, State Advocate General of Singapore (1959 – 1963), and Attorney General of Singapore (1963 – 1967). He was later appointed as the Ambassador of Singapore to the Republic of Egypt (1967 – 1968).
After having served the Republic of Singapore for 22 years, he then contributed his services to the Malaysian government in the field of law. He was appointed Professor of Legal Studies at the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya (1969 – 1972), Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya (1972 – 1983), Professor Emeritus, University of Malaya (1984), and the Sheikh and Dean, Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University from 1983 - 1999.
Awards
For his services in Malaysia, Al Marhum was awarded the Johan Mangku Negara (J.M.N) by His Majesty the Yang Dipertuan Agong in 1974. In 1979 he was awarded the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara (D.M.P.N) which carries the title of Datuk by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Pulau Pinang. In the same year he received the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Medal from the Government of Pakistan. In 1987 he was awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) by His Majesty the Yang Dipertuan Agong with the title of Tan Sri. He was awarded the Maal Hijrah Award in 1988 and the Yayasan Tun Razak Award in 1994.
