Monthly Archives: May 2026

Aligarh’s Amima Jauhar Shines in CBSE 10th Board

Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :

Amima Jauhar, daughter of Mohammad Afaque Jauhar, has emerged as the top scorer of Prestigious Al Barkat Public School, Aligarh, securing an outstanding 96.6% in her CBSE 10th board examinations. Interestingly another student Aleena Akhter also made the school proud by getting the same excellent result.

Amima’s result stood out with a perfect 100 marks in both Urdu and Information Technology, reflecting her exceptional command over languages as well as technical subjects. Her consistent hard work, disciplined study routine, and academic focus have been widely appreciated by teachers and school authorities.

A student of Al Barkat Public School, Amima also received guidance from Image Classes, Aligarh, which played a supportive role in her preparation. Her achievement has brought pride to her family, school, and the Aligarh academic community.

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Campus / by Indian Awaaz / April 18th, 2026

Nashik’s 15-year-old Hafiz cracks JEE Main with 99.927 percentile while memorising the Quran

Nashik, MAHARASHTRA :

Hafiz Syed Zaid Sadiq

In a remarkable display of discipline and dedication, 15-year-old Hafiz Syed Zaid Sadiq from Nashik has emerged as the top scorer from the city in JEE Main 2026 (Session 2), securing an impressive 99.927 percentile.

A student of Ashoka College, Zaid has set a shining example by balancing rigorous academic preparation with deep religious commitment.

Zaid achieved the extraordinary feat of memorising the entire Quran by the age of 15. He completed his early religious studies through madrasas and, due to time constraints during school, finished memorising the Quran at home in Class 9 under the guidance of a tutor and his mother’s supervision.

His academic excellence was evident earlier when he scored 95% in Class 10. Maintaining consistency, Zaid scored above 99 percentile in both sessions of JEE Main. According to his family, months of focused preparation, supported by his father Syed Sadiq and mother Syed Zauqiya, helped him strike a perfect balance between studies and religious learning.

Coming from an educated family, Zaid is the grandson of the late Syed Sattar Ali Roshan, a respected former municipal school head teacher.

A teacher from Ashoka College praised his time management, saying, “He has shown that with proper routine and focus, students can excel in both academics and religious studies.”

Zaid is now preparing for JEE Advanced with the dream of securing admission into a prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). His success has drawn widespread congratulations from across Nashik.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Desk / April 25th, 2026

Indian skimmer conservationist wins award for community conservation model

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Banner image: Images courtesy of Parveen Shaikh/Whitley Award.

Scientist Parveen Shaikh has been awarded a 2026 Whitley Award by the UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature, recognising her efforts to protect the endangered Indian skimmer along India’s rivers. The award comes with funding to expand her community-led conservation model from Chambal river to Prayagraj, where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers converge.

The Indian skimmer is identified by its vivid orange bill and its habit of flying low over water, skimming the surface to catch fish. India holds over 90% of the world’s population of the bird, with roughly 3,000 individuals, making the country critical to the species’ survival. The birds breed on seasonal sandbars and mid-river islands, making their nests vulnerable to changes in river flow, predators, and human disturbance.

When Shaikh, who works with the Bombay Natural History Society, began her “Guardians of the Skimmer” initiative on the Chambal river, the local Indian skimmer population stood at around 400 individuals in 2017. As of 2025, the population has grown to approximately 1,000. Nest survival has nearly doubled, rising from 14 percent to 27 percent, a direct result of community involvement and scientific monitoring.

“Local guardians help identify new sandbars, monitor nests, and prevent disturbance during the breeding season. Some now proudly refer to the skimmers as “our birds,” which reflects a growing sense of ownership,” says Shaikh.

With the Whitley Award funding, her team will now expand to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradash, a place of cultural significance and also home to breeding populations of Indian skimmers, river lapwings, and little terns. The challenges here include heavy boat traffic, fishing activity, religious practices along the riverbank, and urban pollution all increase pressure on nesting colonies. The team plans to appoint new local guardians, install predator-proof fencing, and use GPS mapping for real-time nest monitoring.

The Whitley Award, also known as the Green Oscars, is given annually to those achieving exceptional success in grassroots community-led protection for threatened species and habitats.

This year, the award includes two Indians among the six winners. In addition to Shaikh, the other winner from India is Barkha Subba who is leading the first grassroots movement to protect the Himalayan salamander and its fragile wetland habitat in the Darjeeling Himalaya, West Bengal.

Read about Parveen Shaikh’s work in Chambal river and the community champions that she works with in this 2021 story on Jagdish, one of the nest guardians.

source: http://www.india.mongabay.com / Mongabay / Home> Global> Beyond Protected Areas / April 30th, 2026

Two Rahmani30 Students Secure MBBS Admissions to International Medical Universities

BIHAR :

In a significant international breakthrough, two Rahmani30 students — Mohammad Rehan Shahid and Md Rayhan Perwez — have secured admission to leading international medical universities through highly competitive scholarship examinations. These represent fully funded, merit-based opportunities earned through rigorous academic performance and global-level evaluation. This rare achievement marks a defining milestone for Rahmani30 and reflects the quiet, outcome-driven excellence that continues to distinguish the program.

Importantly, this achievement builds on Rahmani30’s consistent track record of sending students to India’s Institutes of National Importance and other first-tier educational
institutions, and now marks the emergence of a new global initiative long envisioned and encouraged by its late Patron, Hazrat Maulana Mohammad Wali Rahmani sb (RA), who paved the way for this broader global journey.

This initiative is being actively guided and fuelled by Dr. Zishan Siddiqui, MD – Johns Hopkins Medicine, USA for the Raza of Allah SWT. It is not an isolated outcome, but the early expression of a wider journey — one that extends Rahmani30’s culture of excellence beyond India into international academic pathways.

Mohammad Rehan Shahid, from Patna, Bihar, and a student of the R30 Batch 2022–24, has secured admission to Istanbul University – Faculty of Medicine, Turkey, a highly respected medical institution in the region. In addition to qualifying through an international scholarship examination, Rehan achieved an impressive TOEFL score and performed strongly in the SAT, further strengthening his academic profile. His success reflects his dedication, complemented by the rigorous academic environment and preparation provided at Rahmani30.

Md Rayhan Perwez, from West Champaran, Bihar, and a student of the R30 Batch 2022–24, has qualified for a prestigious international medical scholarship and secured admission to the University of Catania, Italy. Alongside his scholarship achievement, he has earned excellent scores in both TOEFL and SAT, demonstrating his readiness to succeed in an international academic environment. His accomplishments highlight his perseverance, supported by the strong academic foundation and guidance provided at Rahmani30.

These achievements underscore Rahmani30’s commitment to empowering talented youth through world-class coaching, mentorship, and career guidance. It is important to note that both students have been awarded 100% tuition fee coverage for the entire MBBS program, travel support, and monthly stipend support to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

This expanding footprint signals that, with the right support and hard work, students can excel in international academic arenas.

Rahmani30 continues to nurture students for IIT-JEE, NEET, CA, CS, CMA, international academic pathways, and other premier opportunities, expanding access both within India and beyond. These accomplishments will undoubtedly motivate countless students to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

Another important milestone and critical new initiative of Rahmani30 is its Junior Program, with intake in Class 8 and Class 9. While the core Rahmani30 model remains selection-based, the Junior Program adds a new and even more powerful approach to the journey of excellence — one centered on cultivating, nurturing, and shaping excellence from an earlier stage. Together, these efforts reflect Rahmani30’s expanding vision: not only to identify excellence, but also to build it with greater depth and over a longer horizon, with many more such outcomes expected in the years ahead.

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Qaumi Awaaz / by Indian Awaaz / April 13th, 2026

Book on Dr. Abdul Jalil Faridi Launched in presence of Prominent Personalities

NEW DELHI :

An impressive book launch ceremony was held at Constitution Club here to mark the release of a new book titled ”ڈاکٹر عبد الجلیل فریدی: قائدِ ملت، مسیحائے قوم“ “Dr. Abdul Jalil Faridi: Leader of the Community, Healer of the Nation,” compiled by senior journalist and author Masoom Moradabadi. The event was organized in collaboration with the Indian Muslims for Civil Rights.

The function was presided over by former Member of Parliament Mohammad Adeeb, while former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung attended as the chief guest. The book was formally released by Zafarul Islam Khan, President of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, along with other distinguished dignitaries.

Among the guests of honour were former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari, Member of Parliament Maulana Mohibbullah Nadvi, Padma Shri awardee Akhtarul Wasey, and Dr. S. Farooq. The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Maulana Mohibbullah Nadvi.

Conducting the proceedings, Masoom Moradabadi noted that biographical writing has long been his passion and that he has authored sketches of hundreds of personalities. He explained that while substantial material on Dr. Faridi already existed, the book aims to present fresh insights by drawing upon extensive research conducted across multiple libraries. The work brings together Dr. Faridi’s speeches, writings, and ideas, including an Urdu translation of his historic address delivered at the National Integration Council.

Moradabadi highlighted that nearly 150 pages of the book are devoted to a comprehensive account of Dr. Faridi’s vision, mission, struggles, and contributions.

Speaking on the occasion, Zafarul Islam Khan recalled that during his childhood, Dr. Faridi was widely regarded as one of India’s foremost specialists in tuberculosis, who dedicated his life to the service of the nation and the community. Referring to the early days of the Majlis-e-Mushawarat, he noted Dr. Faridi’s prominent role and his consistent advocacy for strengthening the collective position of Muslims as a community.

In his address, Najeeb Jung reflected on the challenges faced by Muslim leadership in post-Independence India, stating that their political dependence on the ruling establishment often constrained their ability to speak freely. He observed that while leaders engaged with riot-affected areas and participated in various commissions, they struggled to effectively articulate community concerns. According to Jung, Dr. Faridi recognized this gap and stressed the need for an independent organization capable of engaging the government without fear.

In his presidential remarks, Mohammad Adeeb stated that independent India has yet to witness a leader of Dr. Faridi’s stature. He expressed regret that such a significant figure has largely been forgotten and congratulated Masoom Moradabadi for compiling the book, expressing hope that it would usher in a renewed interest in the life and legacy of Dr. Faridi.

Prof. Akhtarul Wasey shared his personal experiences of learning directly from Dr. Faridi, emphasizing that he taught the importance of presenting Muslim concerns as national issues rather than sectional ones.

Other speakers, including Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari, Wajahat Habibullah, and Dr. S. Farooq, also shared their views. The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including M. Afzal, Qurban Ali, Saleem Qidwai, Khalid Siddiqui, Shabih Ahmad, Imran Qidwai, Dr. Zaheer Ahmad, Prof. Mohsin Usmani, Prof. Khalid Mahmood, and Dr. Syed Ahmad Khan, among others.

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Books> Qaumi Awaaz /by Staff Reporter, Indian Awaaz / April 13th, 2026

India’s Second Oldest Farman to Get Digitised as Part of GBM

TELANGANA :

Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.

“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle. (Image: X)

Hyderabad:

A royal farman, said to be the second oldest in India — issued by Sultan Feroz Shah Bahmani (1397–1422) in 1406 — will be among close to two lakh manuscripts identified as part of the survey by the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) in Telangana. The GBM is a national initiative by the Union culture ministry to unearth, preserve and digitise India’s massive manuscript heritage.

This decree on Persian‑style handmade paper is 33 x 10 inches in size, with ink and royal‑seal authentication. The document was issued from Gulbarga, which was the seat of power for the Bahmanis before it was shifted to Bidar. The decree grants land as inam to Muhammed Ahmed, Qazi of Kalyani, and bears the distinctive tughra (monogram) and the Bahmani royal seal.

“The handmade paper used for the farman is a rare example showcasing the royal practices of the time,” M.A. Raqeeb, assistant director, Telangana Archives, told Deccan Chronicle.

Another well‑preserved royal farman is of Emperor Shah Alam II, issued in 1773 AD, appointing Maharaja Narayan Rao Bahadur as official caretaker of the riverbank near Allahabad. Believed to be part of preparations for the Kumbh Mela, the emperor issued clear instructions to officials not to levy fees.

“All expenses for maintaining the site and facilitating the pilgrims’ rituals are to be borne entirely by the Mughal government,” the decree says.

According to the decree, Hindu pilgrims (yatris) arriving from across the subcontinent — especially from Gujarat and Maharashtra — must be allowed to take the sacred bath and holy dip for spiritual purification without any fee or levy. The directive is to be strictly implemented and communicated to the commissioner of police and all present and future officers for perpetual observance.

“This farman illustrates the Later Mughal policy of imperial patronage toward diverse religious practices and underscores the state’s responsibility for safeguarding pilgrimage routes and sacred bathing ghats,” Raqeeb explained.

The cluster centre at the State Archives has identified and completed surveys of 17 institutions and individuals, while surveys for another 42 are underway. It has so far scanned 57,842 documents and exported 29,871 images.

Dr Zareena Parveen, director, State Archives, and coordinator of the Cluster Centre, GBM, explained that the survey has identified 1,95,935 manuscripts, including those of the Telangana Archives, and a total of 29,871 images of 130 manuscripts had been uploaded till May 2.

“At the State Archives alone we have over 1.8 lakh manuscripts, including 668 in book form, 155,000 paper items and 25,000 private collections (paper). Most of these are in Old Persian (Shikista) and cover varied subjects, including graphic pictures of Mansabdari, revenue and military systems of the Mughals in the Deccan region (South India),” Dr Parveen director explained.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Telangana / by Md Nizamuddin / May 03rd, 2026

The boys who have made Bidar proud

Bidar, KARNATAKA :

Bidar Deputy Commissioner R. Ramachandran after felicitating Arbaaz Ahmed of Shaheen College for his NEET success in Bidar. Arbaaz’s father Md. Saleemoddin is seen.

Mohammad Arbaaz Ahmed was in eighth standard when his father suffered a paralytic stroke. He remembers his brothers carrying their father Mohammad Saleemoddin to hospitals in Basava Kalyan and Bidar. Doctors said that it may be a result of an accident or injury in the past. They began a series of treatments, but little came of it.

He lost his job and was barely mobile. His wife started working as a house help to keep the hearth warm. Saleemoddin was a lorry driver handling goods vehicles between Mumbai and Hyderabad. He worked overtime to feed his large family and send his children to school.

But the illness affected the family badly.

This, however, did not deter the children from succeeding in school. His eldest son got into an engineering college, another got into medicine and the third became a dentist.

Arbaaz, who has obtained the 85th rank in the NEET all India rankings and the third rank in the State, says that his brothers who succeed in the face of adversity, inspired him. “My parents also supported me. Four years ago my father suffered a stroke and became bed-ridden for months. But he never asked me to quit studying or take up a job. He nudged me to keep studying so that I could become a doctor and help a lot of people,” Arbaaz told The Hindu .

He says he is likely to be accepted into the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. The studious youth, however, does not want to stop at MBBS. “I want to complete my post-graduation and then, take up research to create low- cost treatment for the poor,’’ he said.

Arbaaz scored 97 % in PU and 92 % in SSLC exams. He joined the Bidar-based Shaheen PU College. The college admitted Arbaaz free, just as it had admitted his two brothers.

“This year, we have admitted 300 students free, against our intake of 1500,” said Abdul Quadeer, secretary of Shaheen PU College that has produced NEET toppers Karthik Reddy and Arbaaz.

Karthik Reddy’s father Rama Reddy is a professor of mechanical engineering in Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Bidar.

His mother Kalpana is a government primary school teacher. “My elder brother is an engineer. He is a student of M.Tech. But I was not sure of what to do after PU. I got interested in medicine after discussing with my friends at the college,’’ he said.

He was a day boarder who chose a semi residential model which meant he went to college at 7 in the morning only to return home at 9 p.m.. He says that he spent the lockdown period solving past question papers. The college staff came home to give the papers and collect the answer sheets every day. “We kept in touch with our teachers via phone and video conference calls,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by B Rishikesh Bahadurdesai / October 20th, 2010

Fathima Thahiliya, Indian Union Muslim League’s first woman MLA, defeats LDF convenor in Left baston

Peruvayal (Kozhikode), KERALA :

Fathima Thahiliya has faced cyberattacks and online abuse since her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, including sexually derogatory, and communal remarks.

Fathima Thahiliya, a 34-year-old advocate and postgraduate in law from the University of Calicut, won the high-profile Perambra Assembly constituency, defeating the senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), T. P. Ramakrishnan.

Thahiliya got 81429 votes, winning the strongly contested seat with 5087 margin.

Born in Peruvayal in Kozhikode, Thahiliya rose through student politics before entering electoral politics, serving as a leader in the Muslim Students Federation and later as a councillor in the Kozhikode Corporation. 

She completed her B.A. LL.B from Government Law College, Kozhikode, and an LL.M from Government Law College, Thrissur, and currently practises as an advocate at the Calicut District Court. 

She also serves as a State Secretary of the Muslim Youth League, marking her steady rise within the Indian Union Muslim League. 

Representing the Indian Union Muslim League, Thahiliya is among the 2  women candidates fielded by the party, making her contest particularly significant in a constituency long considered a Left stronghold. 

Her candidature drew widespread attention across Kerala, not only because of the high-stakes electoral battle but also due to the controversies that unfolded during the campaign.

Fathima Thahiliya faced significant cyberattacks and online abuse soon after her candidature in Perambra Assembly constituency was announced, with her social media pages flooded with sexually coloured and derogatory comments, including vulgar remarks and personal attacks. 

Much of the abuse targeted her identity as a young Muslim woman wearing a hijab, and questioned her capability to contest elections.

Thahiliya stated that such attacks were not new to her, noting that she had faced similar cyber harassment during earlier local body elections in Kozhikode. 

Another controversy, the “Kauminte Kutti” row, erupted after allegations that campaign vehicles linked to the Left Democratic Front made announcements referring to Fathima Thahiliya as a “community candidate.” 

The United Democratic Front alleged that attempts were made to communalise the election by portraying her through her religious identity, with campaign messages that sparked political backlash and complaints to the Election Commission. 

Despite these challenges, Fathima Thahiliya emerged as a strong contender and went on to win the Perambra Assembly constituency, marking a significant shift in a traditionally LDF-dominated seat. 

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India>South India / by Maktoob / May 04th, 2026

Nilambur Ayesha: The woman who defied bullets, built a stage of resistance

KERALA :

At a time when the stage was closed to women from conservative Muslim households, Ayesha walked into the spotlight at 16, confronting hostility that ranged from social ostracism to outright violence.

Nilambur Ayesha, Kerala’s first Muslim woman theatre artist.(Photo | Special Arrangement)

Malappuram :

Nilambur Ayesha, the indomitable force who shattered barriers to become the state’s first Muslim woman theatre artist, steps into her ninth decade with a legacy forged in courage, resistance and uncompromising artistry. Her life is not merely a story of performance, but a defiant march against religious orthodoxy that sought to silence her.

At a time when the stage was closed to women from conservative Muslim households, Ayesha walked into the spotlight at just 16, confronting hostility that ranged from social ostracism to outright violence. For generations of Malayalis, the very mention of drama evokes her name, a testament to a contribution that redefined Malayalam theatre.

Born into a once-prosperous family in Nilambur, Ayesha’s early life was marked by upheaval. Her father’s sudden death pushed the family into crisis. At 13, she was forced into marriage with a man decades older. The relationship lasted only days, leaving her to raise an infant daughter alone. She survived by selling rice and grinding grain, battling poverty with relentless determination.

It was in these harsh circumstances that playwright E K Ayamu invited her to act in a play staged by the Nilambur Yuvajana Kala Samithi. Backed by her brother Manu Muhammed but opposed by her mother, Ayesha chose the stage over submission. “No one who cannot save us has the right to punish us,” she declared, stepping into a world that would test her endurance at every turn.

The backlash was swift and brutal. When she first performed at Farooq Lakshmi Talkies under the banner of the Communist movement, it sent shockwaves through society. A Muslim woman on stage was seen as an act of rebellion. Stones were hurled at her during a performance in Nadapuram, leaving her bleeding, yet she refused to abandon the stage. In Manjeri, gunfire erupted during a play, narrowly missing her. In another incident, she was assaulted inside a make-up room. Each attack was meant to break her spirit. None succeeded.

Ayesha recalls those years with unflinching clarity. “I can never forget that. My first play was ‘Ijjh Nalla Mansan Aakan Nokku’. There was fierce opposition. The shooting incident when I was 16 was part of that. But I was not ready to give up and go back,” she said. “The Communist movement was always with me.”

Her journey extended beyond theatre into cinema, where she carved a notable presence. She acted in films such as Kandam Becha Kottu, Kavyamela, Kuttikkuppayam, Olavum Theeravum and Paleri Manikyam. She also performed with leading drama troupes, including K T Mohammed’s Kalinga Theatre, and took on demanding roles, including four characters in Kurangu Rasayanam.

Hardship followed even at the peak of her artistic journey. Driven by financial distress, she worked as a domestic worker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for 19 years. Yet, she returned to the stage with renewed resolve, eventually performing in more than 29,000 shows.

Ayesha’s life has since entered academic discourse, studied by undergraduate students as part of their curriculum. Her journey, documented in Basheer Chungathara’s work, stands as a powerful narrative of resistance and artistic integrity.

Her achievements have been widely recognised. She received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for Best Actress in 2002, the SL Puram Sadanandan Award for overall contribution, and the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actress in 2011. The film Ayesha, starring Manju Warrier, draws inspiration from her life in the Gulf.

Reflecting on her journey, Ayesha says, “Whatever cinema has captured of my life has given me joy. It feels like my life has been accepted.”

Her legacy is now being celebrated in a three-day tribute organised by the Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mappila Kala Academy in Kondotty. The ‘Navathi Adharam’ celebrations opened with a film festival featuring works connected to her life and career. The final day included the screening of a documentary and a gathering of theatre workers, culminating in a felicitation where CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj honoured the veteran artist.

Ayesha did not merely perform on stage. She fought for her place on it, and in doing so, redrew the boundaries of art, courage and freedom.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by Lakshmi Athira / May 04th,2026

Islamic Scholar Syed Iqbal Zaheer Passes Away

Hyderabad / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Renowned Islamic scholar, writer, and editor Syed Iqbal Zaheer passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in the United Arab Emirates.

He was widely regarded as a significant contemporary voice in Islamic scholarship, known for his extensive writings, intellectual depth, and commitment to presenting Islam in an accessible yet authentic manner. His passing marks the end of a decades-long contribution to Islamic literature, education, and thought.

Born in 1944 in Hyderabad, India, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was trained as an engineer but went on to establish himself as a prolific author and researcher in Islamic studies. Over the years, he became particularly known for his ability to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with modern intellectual inquiry.

Among his most notable works is Tafsir Ishraq al-Ma‘ani, a fourteen-volume English commentary on the Qur’an, considered one of the most comprehensive original English tafsir works. He was also the author of An Educational Encyclopedia of Islam, a widely regarded reference work aimed at making Islamic knowledge accessible to both adults and children.

In addition to his books, he served for over three decades as the editor of Young Muslim Digest, an English-language Islamic monthly that reached readers across several countries. More than just a magazine, it became a formative intellectual space for generations of young Muslims, many of whom encountered Islamic thought, identity, and contemporary issues through its pages. Its widely read “Letters to the Editor” section, in particular, stood out for its candid, thoughtful, and often deeply nuanced responses, addressing complex personal and theological questions with clarity and balance. Through his editorials, Syed Iqbal Zaheer demonstrated remarkable intellectual depth, engaging with modern challenges while remaining firmly rooted in classical scholarship. For many readers, the magazine was not merely informative but transformative.

Despite his influence, Syed Iqbal Zaheer was known for maintaining a low public profile. He rarely appeared in public or media, preferring to focus on writing, research, and teaching. Those who knew him often highlighted his humility and his emphasis on sincerity in seeking knowledge.

Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to the study of the Qur’an, Arabic language, and Islamic sciences, encouraging generations of readers to pursue knowledge with depth and discipline.

His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from students, readers, and members of the wider Muslim community, many of whom credit his works for shaping their understanding of Islam.

Syed Iqbal Zaheer is survived by his family and leaves behind a rich intellectual legacy that continues to benefit readers around the world.

To explore his life and legacy in detail, read: In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Life and Works of Syed Iqbal Zaheer

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / April 02nd, 2026