New Delhi: In a heart-warming congratulatory message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warmest greetings and felicitations to India's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad on being conferred with the prestigious Ma’al Hijrah award for influential Muslim scholars worldwide by Malaysia.
“This achievement highlights the universal impact of his work and serves as a source of pride and inspiration for all Indians”- Prime Minister said in his message sent to the Grand Mufti. The Prime Minister's message also emphasized the significant recognition of the Grand Mufti's selfless service, dedication to humanity, and the positive impact he has made in Indian society.
The Ma’al Hijrah award is a testament to the universal nature of selfless service and compassion, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Prime Minister Modi praised the Grand Mufti's exceptional dedication to the betterment of society and highlighted his tireless efforts in various areas including education, social empowerment, and fostering harmonious coexistence among diverse communities.
The Prime Minister noted that the institutions established by the Grand Mufti have become centres where spiritual wisdom and modern education intersect, reflecting his vision of holistic development. The message also acknowledged the Grand Mufti's remarkable achievement of building bridges of compassion and trust not only within Kerala, his home state, but across the entire nation.
At the age of 92, the Grand Mufti's continued devotion to society and his unwavering commitment to service serve as an inspiration to people of all ages. Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the Grand Mufti's life and work will inspire the younger generation to follow his path of selflessness and service.
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, who is the current Grand Mufti of India and the General Secretary of All India Sunni Jam-e-yyathul Ulema, the apex body of Sunni Muslim community in the country, was conferred with the prestigious Ma’al Hijrah award by the Malaysia king Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at a grand ceremony held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre last month. The event was attended byworld Muslim leaders.
The decision to present the award to Sheikh Abubakr was based on his significant contributions in the field of education, social development and peacebuilding. He established Jamia Markaz, a Kozhikode (Kerala) based educational movement in 1978, which is now grown into the largest educational and humanitarian movement among Muslim communities in South Asia. A prominent face of Indian Muslim community in the international platforms, Sheikh Abubakr was considered as an influential scholar in the Islamic world. He is the founding member of The World Muslim Communities Council and the Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Peace Forum.
