New Delhi:

Distinguished Indian scholars have congratulated Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad on being conferred with Hijrah Award, the Malaysia’s highest civilian honour for Influential Muslim Scholars worldwide.

Indians have also welcomed Malyasian Government’s gesture on giving honour to the proponents of moderate Islam.

Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was conferred with Hijrah Award, Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah presented the award at a grand ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Muhammad Nahim bin Mukhtar among many others.

In a grand ceremony Sheikh Abubakar was felicitated with the prestigious international award for his significant contributions in the field of Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding.

The Hijrah award committee also acknowledged the educational activities Sheikh Abubakr and his organizations initiated among various communities in India.

Upon receiving the award, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad expressed his delight and stated that this is an international recognition for Indian community and their contributions to humanity.

Last year, Hijrah award was given to Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who recently visited India upon the invitation of Indian Government.

Dr Abdul Hakeem, son of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, said congratulatory messages are coming in from all over the world, people of various faiths are saying he is deserving of the award for his services as a scholar for the downtrodden and the backward community.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has successfully established a multi-discipline institute for education, health, agriculture, technology, hospitality, and spirituality together in one city.

He has also contributed to the Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a smart city. “The award is an honour to India as Sheikh has always represented India’s multi-cultural diversity and unity in several countries in the world,” he added.

President of Interfaith Harmony Foundation of India, Dr Khwaja Iftekhar Ahmad said: Sheikh Abubakr is running a chain of religious and modern education institutes in Kerala including an orphanage. This puts him in the category of a highly distinctive Indian Muslim religious scholar, who deserves many honours for his services towards the field of education.

He has done a remarkable thing by establishing in a few hundred acres of land a knowledge city in Kerala. It is an eye-opener for those who wish to contribute in the field of education.

 “I congratulate the King of Malaysia for conferring him the award. It is an honour for Indian and an honour for the freedom that minorities enjoy in India,’’ he added.

Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Chairman – Chishty Foundation, said: “It is a well-deserved recognition for his significant contributions to Islamic knowledge, social development, and peacebuilding. His educational initiatives have positively impacted various communities in India, and this award is a proud moment for the Indian community and their contributions to humanity.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad’s dedication to promoting Islamic knowledge and fostering social development has truly made a lasting impact. The recognition bestowed upon him by the Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah highlights the global influence of his work as an influential Muslim scholar.

The Hijrah Award’s history of honoring notable figures like Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa further solidifies the significance of this recognition. With influential personalities like Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad and Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa collaborating and fostering dialogue between nations, it enhances interfaith relations and promotes mutual understanding.

Zafar Mahmood, noted Islamic scholar and former civil servant, said: “The Malaysian award is a recognition of Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad for his remarkable work in the field of education and social harmony. Recognition of efforts in the field of education uplift is heartwarming. It also elevates our spiritual level because of the spiritual mandate.’’

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is widely respected not only in religious fraternity of Muslims but by the people of all communities. His contribution in interfaith dialogue is noteworthy.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Awaz, The Voice / July 20th, 2023