KOZHIKODE, KERALA: In a significant call to action, Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad (Kanthapuram AP Abubakar Musliyar) has urged India to assume a leading role in global peacekeeping efforts, particularly in conflict-ridden regions such as West Asia and Ukraine. The statement was made during the International Responsibility Summit held at Markaz Knowledge City.

The Grand Mufti emphasized India's unique position to intervene effectively in these regions, citing the country's ability to establish unity, resolve conflicts, and settle sectarian and extremist ideologies. He highlighted India's diplomatic advantages, including friendly relations with most countries worldwide, A tradition of non-alignment and a rich multicultural heritage encompassing diverse religious communities and cultures.

As India continues to grow as an economic and diplomatic power, Musliar believes the country is well-positioned to mediate peace talks and find solutions to global conflicts. He called on Indian leaders to take the initiative in these diplomatic efforts.

The summit, attended by international dignitaries and scholars, passed a resolution condemning wars that threaten national existence and the destruction of innocent civilians. It emphasized that such actions can never be justified and stressed that Islam as a world religion has always opposed bloodshed.

Notable attendees of the conference included Sheikh Abdullah Ma'touq al Matouq, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, Hamad Bin Sami Fall Al-Dosari, former President of the Supreme Court of Bahrain, Dr Yusuf Abdul Ghafoor Al Abbasi, Garamallah Ahmad Al Fuqaha, Nabeel Hamad Isa Muhammad Al-Aoun, Sheikh Adnan Abdullah Hussain Al Khatan, Ali Masood Al Kaabi. 

The summit concluded with a powerful message that achieving lasting world peace should be the responsibility of every individual and nation.

This call for India to step up its role in global peacekeeping comes at a crucial time, as the international community struggles with ongoing conflicts and the need for effective diplomatic solutions. The Grand Mufti's statement could potentially influence India's foreign policy approach and its engagement in international peace efforts.

Calicut/Kerala: The International Milad Conference, jointly organized by the Kerala Muslim Jamaat and Jamia Markaz, a leading Islamic university in Calicut, Kerala, passed a significant resolution condemning Israel's killing of civilians, calling it a flagrant violation of human rights. The resolution was led by Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad (Kanthapuram A.P. Abubakar Musliar), who emphasized that Israel’s atrocities against innocent civilians, not only in Palestine but also across the Lebanese border, are indefensible. He called upon global leaders to unite in the pursuit of peace.

Delivering the annual Prophetic Lessons Talk at the conference, Sheikh Abubakr stressed the importance of interfaith dialogue and the role of world leaders in fostering peace. He further urged countries to reconsider their pro-Israel stance, advocating for a moral approach to achieving global harmony. He emphasized that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stand as a beacon for social justice, women's safety, and the establishment of a peaceful society.

The conference, organized to mark the birthday celebrations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was held under the theme “The Life and Vision of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” It was inaugurated by the former President of the Supreme Court of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Sami Fadl Al-Dosari. Hon'ble Dr Abdullah Matouq Al Matouq, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General, attended as the Chief Guest.

A major highlight of the event was the traditional Prophetic Praise (Mawlid) gathering led by the renowned Al Malid singing group from Fujairah, UAE which captivated the audience. The proceedings began with a grand procession of around 100 Daff groups at 4:00 PM. Markaz President Sayyed Ali Bafaqi Thangal led the opening prayer, while Samasta Kerala Jamiatul Ulema President E. Sulaiman Musliar presided over the event.

Delegations from Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Egypt, including Yusuf Abdul Ghafoor Al Abbasi, Nabeel Hamad Isa Muhammad Al-Aun, Sheikh Adnan Abdullah Hussain Al Khatan, and Ali Masood Al Ka’abi, were among the international attendees who added to the prestige of the conference.

The resolution passed at the conference calls for an urgent international response to stop the ongoing violence against civilians and strengthen global peace initiatives.

Calicut: In his Independence Day message, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India, emphasized the importance of unity and harmony as the driving forces behind the nation's progress and achievements. He highlighted that India's independence and self-governance were the results of the collective efforts of all Indians, united in a single cause despite their many diversities.

As the nation prepares to hoist the National Flag in commemoration of past victories, Sheikh Abubakr urged citizens to reflect on their responsibilities towards the country. He underscored the need for every citizen to uphold the values of equality, justice, fraternity, secularism, and democracy. According to him, only by embracing these values can India continue to thrive and progress.

Sheikh Abubakr also pointed out that the goal should be for India to become a global power, not just in terms of economic strength, but through the strength and beauty of its values. He stressed that a united and cohesive society is essential to overcoming the persistent challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and inequality, and to leading the world in science and technology.

Reflecting on the recent disaster in Kerala, Sheikh Abubakr expressed sorrow over the loss of many lives. However, he also praised the unity, cooperation, and community spirit displayed in the face of the tragedy, which has provided hope and strength to the people. He stated that this year's Independence Day is a reminder that, when united, the nation can overcome any obstacle.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad concluded his message by calling on the people of India to strengthen their unity and spread the message of working together for the greater good of the country. He extended his heartfelt wishes to everyone for a Happy Independence Day.

Calicut: In a strong statement issued today, the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, has expressed deep concern over the recent Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the Central Government. According to the Grand Mufti, the proposed amendments pose a significant threat to the very concept of Waqf in Islam and could severely undermine the Waqf Board's autonomy and essential functions.

The Grand Mufti emphasized that the Bill contains over 40 amendments, many of which he believes will erode the dignity and operational independence of the Waqf Board. He criticized the Bill for not addressing the better management of Waqf properties but instead focusing on granting the government excessive control, which could jeopardize the Waqf system's integrity.

One of the key points of concern highlighted by Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is the amendment requiring full compliance with revenue rules before properties can be transferred to Waqf. He argued that this could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and hinder the creation of new Waqf properties. Additionally, the Grand Mufti questioned the rationale behind the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board, an entity intrinsically linked to the Muslim faith.

The Grand Mufti warned that if the Bill is passed, it could open the door for squatters to more easily acquire Waqf properties, a problem already prevalent in the country. He noted that this is a matter of serious concern, especially given the ongoing encroachments on Waqf properties.

Another troubling aspect of the Bill, according to Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, is the proposed government power to conduct fresh inspections of Waqf properties declared as "disputed lands." He expressed apprehension that this move could be exploited amid conspiracies to declare Muslim shrines and Waqf properties as disputed, potentially leading to further conflicts.

In light of these concerns, the Grand Mufti called on the Central Government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill and engage in open dialogue with Muslim scholarly leadership and organizations to address the issues raised by the proposed amendments. He stressed that the sanctity of Waqf properties and the autonomy of the Waqf Board are crucial to the religious and social welfare of the Muslim community in India.

The Grand Mufti's statement reflects the growing unease among the Muslim community regarding the potential implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill and underscores the need for careful consideration and consultation before any changes are made to the existing Waqf laws.

Cairo: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad reached Cairo, Egypt to represent India at the International Fatwa Conference. The conference, organized by Egypt's General Secretariate for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, which oversees fatwa centres across various countries, will occur on the 29th and 30th of this month at the Almaza Hotel in Cairo. The event is held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi.

The general theme of the conference is Fatwa and the ethical foundation in an accelerating world which focuses on the relevance of Fatwas and ethical foundations in an ever-evolving world. It will include various sessions covering topics such as the role of fatwas in empowering and upholding human morals and values, the strengthening of international and regional organizations, the importance of fatwas in promoting equality and brotherhood among people, and the protection of human rights. Additionally, discussions will address the pluralism of nations and the use of fatwas to foster interfaith dialogue among different religions.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad will deliver his presentation on the second day of the conference at 1:30 PM, during a session chaired by His Eminence Sheikh Mahmoud Sheikh Hassan Farah, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Sunni Scholars of Egypt. The conference will feature more than fifty scholars and leaders from various countries presenting papers on a wide range of topics across four sessions.

Thiruvananthapuram: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad's autobiography, 'Vishwasapoorvam', has been published. The book was released by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan at a function held at the Hyatt Regency Thiruvananthapuram, with Shashi Tharoor MP accepting the first copy.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commented Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad as a leader who imparted true religious values to believers. He noted that He has used religion for the edification of society, emphasizing that while religion can be used for both edification and destruction, Sheikh Abubakr chose the path of upliftment. The Chief Minister was speaking at the release of his autobiography, 'Vishwasapoorvam'.

Sheikh Abubakr's life story underscores the importance of prioritizing development over opposing it for vested interests. At a time when religion often suffers from interference in politics, Kerala stands out as a place where differing opinions can coexist. There have also been instances of breaking this unity, but Sheikh Abubakr has consistently taken a principled stand in such situations, the Chief Minister added.

The book is published by the Malaibar Foundation for Research and Development, a research initiative operating at the Markaz Knowledge City. It is distributed by Kozhikode-based Read Press.

Sayyed Ali Bafaqi, Vice President of Samasta Kerala Jamiatul Ulama, presided over the release ceremony. SYS State Secretary Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakkim Azhari delivered the introductory speech. Other speakers included Minister P Rajeev, former Union Minister V Muraleedharan, PV Anwar MLA, industry leaders Dr Siddique Ahmad, TNM Jawad, Wandoor Abdurrahman Faizi, Syed Twaha Saquafi Kuttyadi, and Firdaus Saquafi Kadavathur.

MLAs Adv. PTA Rahim, Ahmad Devarkovil, Sachin Dev, Linto Joseph, Minority Commission Chairman Adv. AA Rasheed, State Right to Information Commissioner AA Hakeem Naha, State Minority Commission Member, A Saifuddin Haji, and AP Abdul Karim Haji also spoke. Nooruddin Mustafa Nurani delivered the welcome address, and Siddique Saquafi gave the vote of thanks.

Calicut: Delivering a keynote address at the Badr al-Kubra Spiritual Conference held at Jamiul Futuh, Grand Masjid in Markaz Knowledge City, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad emphasized the importance of self-respect among Muslims in matters of faith and values.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad highlighted the significance of self-esteem in faith, citing the strength and victory attained by believers in the Battle of Badr. He underscored that aiding fellow believers during crises is an act of self-respect, shielding them from the grip of disappointment, which the community of believers worldwide should model in every situation. Furthermore, he called upon all citizens to actively participate in the upcoming general elections, which are crucial for determining the nation's prosperity and future trajectory.

Expressing concern over Israel's interference in Palestine, particularly its targeting of Palestinian children, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad denounced such acts as a violation of the principles of modern civilized society.

In advocating for peace during the conflict, the Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad urged nations engaged in warfare to learn from the example set by the Battle of Badr. He criticized major powers for prolonging disputes, asserting that such actions counter global peace and humanity.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad also emphasized the historical lesson from the Battle of Badr, wherein it was demonstrated that women, children, and the elderly should not be targeted in warfare, and the destruction of crops and trees should be avoided.

The address by the Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad at the Badr al-Kubra Spiritual Conference serves as a call to action for upholding self-respect in faith, promoting peace, and safeguarding humanitarian values in modern society.

Calicut: In a significant address at the Markaz Khatmul Bukhari Graduation Conference held in Calicut,  Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, said that no one should think that they can provoke or disappoint the Muslims and all the secular democrats of this country should be ready to stand by the legitimate rights of the Muslims. The conference, which saw the graduation of 478 Saquafi religious scholars, became a platform for discussing the resilience and challenges faced by Muslims worldwide.

Highlighting the spiritual resilience of the Muslim community, the Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad stated, "Muslims have faced numerous crises through history and have always emerged stronger by harnessing spiritual energy." He stressed that Islam's teachings encourage followers to view hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth, advocating for resolution through faith and prayer. He noted that Islam is a religion of peace and does not promote intimidation and anti-social discourses.

In his speech, the Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad also addressed the worship issue and the sanctity of religious sites. He remarked on the diligence with which Muslims establish their places of worship, ensuring they are free from injustice, reflecting the historical significance of sites like the Ka'aba and the Masjid al Aqsa.

The conference also took a firm stance against the encroachment on mosques, highlighting concerns over the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) excavation activities. The resolution passed called for the enforcement of the Protection of Places of Worship Act, criticizing the ASI for not adhering to the expected standards of historical research. The resolution demands that such excavations be declared illegal, viewing them as threats to India's internal freedom and the sanctity of religious sites.

The three-day event drew delegates and guests from across the globe, including the USA, the UK, and Malaysia, alongside thousands of attendees, underlining the global concern for the rights and freedoms of the Muslim community in India. The conference's resolutions and the Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad messages underscore a call for peace, mutual respect, and legal protection for religious sites and practices.

Mumbai: Addressing the SSF Golden Fifty National Conference's closing ceremony at Ekta Udyan, Mumbai, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad highlighted the role of the Constitution in ensuring India's stability as a nation. He emphasized that the guarantees provided by the Constitution provide protection and freedom to the citizens.

In his keynote speech, the Sheikh Abubakr stressed the importance of preserving democracy and secularism, the lifeblood of the Constitution. He reminded the audience that the Constitution recognizes India's diverse landscape, encompassing various religions and caste, sub-castes and other identities.

Warning against the dangers of favoring one culture over the multicultural fabric of India, the Sheikh Abubakr underscored the potential harm to the nation. He warned against any initiatives that seek to centralize power and undermine the federal system, emphasizing that such efforts could prove detrimental to the diverse fabric of the nation. The Grand Mufti urged effective implementation of constitutional provisions aimed at the upliftment of marginalized groups, including Dalits, minorities, and other backward communities.

Highlighting the significance of "We the People of India," from the Constitution's preamble, as a declaration embracing the nation's diversity, Sheikh Abubakr announced its adoption as a resolution during the SSF conference, reinforcing the country's pluralism. 

Sheikh Abubakr called for the citizens of our nation to collaborate for the prosperity of India, fostering harmony and love. Islam unequivocally rejects extremism and sectarianism, advocating instead for the path of peace. This teaching is universally embraced by Muslims, who have actively contributed to the unity, integrity, and freedom of our country. It was emphasized that Muslims will continue to take a leading role in promoting the progress of India.

The Grand Mufti has called upon the citizens of our nation to collaborate for the prosperity of India, emphasizing the need for fostering harmony and love. The Sheikh Abubakr highlighted Islam's rejection of extremism and sectarianism, stressing the advocacy for the path of peace within the teachings of the religion, which is universally embraced by Muslims, who have actively contributed to the unity, integrity, and freedom of our country. It was emphasized that Muslims will continue their contributions in promoting the progress of India.

The SSF Golden Fifty National Conference began on 24th November, spanning three days, and involving members from 25 states, concluded with a closing ceremony at Ekta Udyan in Mumbai. The event included seven venues and featured notable speakers, with Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad as the chief guest. Afeefuddin Jeelani Baghdad inaugurated the closing session. Sayyid Ibrahimul Khaleelul Bukhari presided over the meeting which was opened by Syed Ali Bafaqi Thangal with prayer. Distinguished guests including Syed Mueen Mia Jeelani, Allama Hussain Shah Jeelani, Mahdi Mia Sahib, Mannan Mia Sahib, Mufti Badre Alam, SayyidFazl Koyamma, Abdul Hameed Musliar Mani, Sayyid Abdurrahman Baqavi AlAhsani, Syed Muhammad Ashraf Ashrafi, Mufti Muhammad, Mufti Ya Haya Raza, Mufti Mujtaba Sharif, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Azhari, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Naeemi, Naushad Alam Misbahi, Ibrahim Madani and Saeed Noori Sahib graced the occasion. As part of the conference, the Educine Expo and Book Fair at the Ekta Udyan aimed to foster new knowledge in the realms of study and career.

Calicut: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, wrote on the concerns of the Palestinian people to Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He remarked that India, which has always stood with the Palestinian people, to mediate the problems currently experienced by the West and intervene for a lasting solution. The Grand Mufti wrote to the Prime Minister after a phone conversation with the Palestinian Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Hussain.

The Grand Mufti emphasized India's non-alignment stance and dedication to the principles of justice, fairness and global unity, as recently reiterated during India's G20 presidency with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', making it a natural candidate to facilitate peace negotiations.

India, throughout its history, has stood as a beacon of peace, tolerance, and harmony. Our nation's rich tradition of embracing diversity and fostering communal unity has served as a guiding light to the world. He mentioned that the Jerusalem Grand Mufti himself conveyed his profound appreciation for the empathetic understanding that India has demonstrated toward Palestinian concerns and their rights throughout history. In light of this legacy, Grand Mufti said he believes India can play a pivotal role in helping end the crisis in this West Asian region.

The Grand Mufti also demanded that there should be a permanent solution to the Palestinian-Israeli crisis to create a peaceful common future. A message from the Mufti of Palestine was also handed over to the Prime Minister, thanking India for its historic stand on the Palestine-Israel issue. The Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Alhaija, recently stated that India, which is growing as one of the major powers in the world, can play a diplomatic role in resolving the current West Asian problem amicably.

New Delhi: Amid the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, emphasizes the urgent need for effective international intervention. He said that the international community and the United Nations must address the growing uncertainty and intensity of the conflict with effective and practical solutions. A segment of the Palestinian population has resorted to armed resistance due to the perceived lack of justice for their cause from international entities. Ignoring this stark reality will only further complicate the situation in the Middle East.

It is disheartening to witness nations that have provided financial and military support to Israel showing concern for human life only when Israel is under attack. Regardless of one's stance on the matter, it is imperative that all nations, whether in Palestine or Israel, unite in the name of humanity to halt the attacks and the senseless killing of innocent people, including helpless infants. Such wars that victimize the innocent pose a grave challenge to our shared humanity, and both sides should sincerely commit to ending the conflict.

The West Asia crisis cannot be reduced to mere labels of terrorism or extremism when it comes to the struggle for the Palestinian homeland. Israel's actions, such as launching unannounced attacks on civilian centres and restricting access to necessities, including clean drinking water, defy international norms and laws governing warfare.

The prospect of a large-scale war and global chaos is a significant concern. Organizations like the UN, Arab nations, and Muslim communities must step in with peace-focused mediation efforts, rather than escalate the conflict. Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad also calls upon people worldwide to pray for the emergence of peace in the sacred land of Al-Aqsa.

Bengaluru: Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to withdraw the ban on hijab in the state’s educational institutions. He raised the demand during a meeting with Siddaramaiah at the Kaveri House in Bengaluru on Monday. Grand Mufti was on a two-day visit to Karnataka to attend the Golden Fifty meeting of the Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF).Mufti said the ban on hijab is a violation of fundamental rights, which hampers the educational progress of Muslim women. “Even before coming to power, Congress has assured in the election manifesto that the ban will be lifted,” Mufti saidMufti asked the chief minister to restore 4% reservation for Muslims, which was cancelled by the former government. Denying reservation for Muslims will have far-reaching consequences, he said. Karnataka Minister for Minorities Sameer Ahmed Khan, political secretary Naseer Ahmed, Karnataka Waqf Board chairman Anwar Pasha, Syed Fazal Koyamma Thangal, Dr Hussain Saquafi Chullikkad, B M Mumtaz Ali and others were also present at the meeting.

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.

Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Congratulated the scientists, engineers, the central government and all the minds behind ISRO's successful moon expedition, the Chandrayaan III Mission!

"We are thrilled to announce that our Nation's space agency, ISRO, has again proven its excellence by successfully accomplishing the Chandrayaan III Mission!
After meticulous planning, dedication, and scientific prowess, Chandrayaan III has reached new heights by landing on the lunar surface today, which elevated the pride of our Nation among the world countries. This remarkable mission has expanded our understanding of the Moon's geology and composition and paved the way for further exploration of our celestial neighbour.
Let's take a moment to applaud the brilliance of our scientists, engineers, the central government and all the minds behind this achievement, whose hard work has pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and space exploration.
India's dedication to scientific progress is a source of pride for every citizen. Let's continue to support and inspire the pursuit of knowledge that knows no bounds.". Grand Mufti said.

New Delhi: Within the context of a nation, the term "independence" signifies the sovereign authority a government attains after liberating itself from foreign dominion. Our land endured years under imperialistic powers' sway as foreign interests gradually infiltrated local governance structures, subjecting us to their rule. Despite the Britishers' brutal actions and atrocities, our forebears tirelessly pursued autonomy, driven by the vision of self-governance for our indigenous people. Hence, let us remember that while freedom is our birthright, it is responsible for exercising it judiciously, ensuring that our pursuits align with the collective well-being and mutual respect that define a harmonious society, The Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad said here on a press release. He will address the Grand Flag hoisting ceremony at 8:00 am on Independence Day at Markaz Karanthur.

From the nascent days of self-rule, our leaders ardently aspired to craft a liberated, democratic nation steered by the people's chosen representatives. This journey paved the way for India to emerge as the world's largest democracy, fortified by a robust constitution. The constitution has played an instrumental role in shaping modern India, safeguarding its cultural diversity, and elevating its standing among global nations.

As we mark 76 years of independence, it befits each citizen to contemplate the extent to which the civil liberties, religious freedoms, and fundamental rights envisioned by our nation's pioneers and constitution framers remain feasible in contemporary times. We must scrutinize whether these rights have united our diverse country and are unjustly withheld from our fellow citizens. These reflections should take centre stage as we celebrate yet another anniversary of our emancipation.

Grand Mufti expressed his Independence Day wishes to all fellow Indians and said it is an oft-repeated sentiment that freedom assumes multifaceted meanings. Regrettably, some among our youth seem inclined towards misconstruing personal freedom as a license for unchecked misconduct, disregarding the harm inflicted on others. This notion of a world devoid of rules and regulations is perilous and inevitably leads to chaos. 

Let us be unequivocal that freedom is not the carte blanche to engage in any act. True freedom is the capacity to conduct personal affairs and exercise choice without subjugation to external forces. However, the grand mufti also said that our freedom must not intertwine with actions that sow destruction, disrupt harmony, and injure our society's unity, He extended.

Kuala Lumpur: To address their pressing concerns, a group of Malaysian expatriates has fervently reached out to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, seeking his intervention to relax the current restrictions preventing individuals above 45 from obtaining working permits. The situation has been particularly challenging for those employed in restaurants and mini-markets, with the latter not receiving working permits for almost three years.

The expatriates have chosen to submit their heartfelt petition through the esteemed Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, hoping for his support in bringing attention to their plight. One of the significant issues they highlight is the proliferation of fake agents engaging in illegal activities, which has led to an increasing number of cases where job seekers are being offered positions and brought into the country on tourist visas, only to find themselves unable to return home once the visa period expires.

The petition, coordinated under the guidance of the Indian Cultural Foundation National Committee and Markaz Global Council Malaysian Chapter, aims to rally support and ultimately prompt action from the Prime Minister's office, hoping to find a viable solution to these challenges Malaysian expatriates face.

Calicut: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was recently honoured with the prestigious Tokoh Maal Hijra Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the Malaysian Government upon world-renowned Muslim scholars. The award ceremony occurred at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Center, where Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah presented the award, marking the beginning of the Hijra year. This esteemed accolade was a testament to his six decades of selfless service in education, religion, and society.

Upon his arrival at Calicut airport, Grand Mufti was accorded a magnificent civic reception orchestrated by the community to express their profound respect for his tireless efforts. Activists led the way, escorting hundreds of vehicles in a grand procession from the airport to Markaz, the venue for the reception. Thousands of people enthusiastically participated in the event, organised by  Samasta Kerala Jamiyyatul Ulema and supported by various civic groups.

The Malaysian Ministry of Islamic Development cited Grand Mufti's invaluable contributions to spreading love, peace, and harmony within Islam domestically and internationally. He has fostered inter-religious harmony and promoted Islamic values, knowledge, and education. Amidst the misrepresentation of Islamic teachings, Sheikh Abubakr has been actively researching, uncovering facts, and disseminating accurate information to his followers.

The award committee also commended his organisation's exemplary charity endeavours. Previous recipients of the Hijra Award include distinguished scholars like Syrian scholar Dr Wahhabi Mustafa Al Suhaili, Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al Tayyib, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.

The reception event held at Markazu Saquafathi Sunniyya was presided over by MK Raghavan MP. The event commenced with a prayer led by Samasta Kerala Jamiatul Ulama, Secretary Ponmala Abdulkhadir Musliyar. V Abdurahman, the State Sports, Minority Welfare, and Waqf Department Minister, inaugurated the grand reception. Minister PA Muhammad Riaz graced the event as a special guest—distinguished guests and speakers, including Adv. PTA Rahim MLA, Thottahil Ravindran MLA, State General Secretary of Kerala Muslim Jamaat Syed Ibrahimul Khalil Al Bukhari, KK Ahmad Kutti Musliar Kattipara, Perodu Abdurrahman Saquafi, N Ali Abdullah, Dr Muhammad Abdul Hakkim Azhari, Swami Gopala Acharya, Majeed Kakkad, and Dr Abdussalam, also shared their thoughts and appreciation.

The reception was attended by prominent individuals such as Syed Abdul Fattah Ahdal Avelam, VPM Faizi Vilyapalli, Abdurrahman Faizi Marayamaangalam, KMK Faizi, Abu Hanifal Faizi Thennala, Muhyiddeen Kutty Baqavi Ponmala, Abdunasar Ahsani Olavatur, Abdul Aziz Saquafi Vellayoor, A Saifuddin Haji, Syed Salih Jifri, Shibu Abubakar, Strong Light Nasser Haji Saleem Madaur, and P Muhammad Yusuf.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad's remarkable dedication to education, religion, and societal welfare has earned him the heartfelt admiration and gratitude of the community, and the Tokoh Maal Hijra Award is a befitting recognition of his outstanding contributions to world peace and harmony through the teachings of Islam, the receptions were concluded.

Kuala Lumpur: Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India and Sunni Leader, was honoured with the prestigious the International Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah Award, Malaysia's highest honour for Influential Muslim Scholars worldwide. The 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 dignitaries such as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Muhammad Nahim bin Mukhtar, members of the royal family, and civic leaders. The audience included prominent scholars, students from various universities, and representatives from civic organizations.

The Malaysian government has been conferring the Hijra Award since 2008 to individuals of global renown who contribute significantly to world peace and harmony at the beginning of every Hijra year. In the past, notable figures such as Syrian scholar Dr Wahhaba Mustafa Al Suhaili, Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr Ahmad Muhammad Al Tayyib, and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al Issa, have received the award.

The decision to present the award to Sheikh Abubakr was based on his invaluable contributions to promoting the message of love in Islam within India and beyond and his efforts in fostering harmony among different communities. His profound knowledge of Islamic teachings and leadership in the fields of education, social development, and research were also recognized. The committee acknowledged the exemplary charity activities carried out by the organization led by Sheikh Abubakr.

Upon receiving the award, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad expressed his delight and stated that the recognition inspires him to expand his work into other fields. He had arrived in Malaysia for a five-day visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister and is set to participate in the Sahihul Bukhari Scholars Conference on the 22nd.

Kuala Lampur: The Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, received an enthusiastic reception during his visit to Malaysia, where he was invited as the chief guest by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Arriving at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang via a chartered flight, he was warmly greeted by representatives from the Malaysian government and Markaz Global Chapter. The Grand Mufti was then escorted to the Prime Minister's office, where discussions were held regarding cultural and educational exchanges between Malaysia and India. Malaysia, known for its inclusive approach, embraces its minority communities, which constitute approximately nine percent of the population.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations with India across various fields and acknowledged an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Anwar Ibrahim also commended Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad for his extensive efforts in education, social work, and cultural activities. Both dignitaries exchanged tokens of appreciation. Accompanying the Grand Mufti were Dr. A.P Abdul Hakkim Azhari, Managing Director of Markaz Knowledge City; Mr. Abdussalam, CEO of Knowledge City; Kuttur Abdurrahman Haji, Chairman of the Jamiul Futuh Maintenance Committee; and other officials. The Grand Mufti is scheduled to participate in various official events during his visit. One notable event will be the Sahih-ul-Bukhari Scholars Conference, where Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad will deliver the keynote address. The conference, to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, is expected to be attended by Religious Affairs Minister Dr. Muhammad Nahim Bin Mukhtar, Sheikh Dr. Usama Al Azhari, Mufti Dr. Luqman bin Haji Abdullah, and thousands of scholars from Malaysia.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and law commission, pointing out the central issues that will arise by implementing the Uniform Civil Code and requesting for revising the code by encompassing all the citizens of India. The concerns over the proposal for a UCC by the union ministry are multifaceted and involve all the citizens of India, despite religion, caste and sect, He said.

The key points he raised are as follows;

The core value of Indian polity is multiculturalism and diversity. India evolved its present culture by assimilating cultures of various ethnic groups for the last 3000 years. Essentially, the culture, religious beliefs, and rituals on multiple occasions from the birth of a person till the death, marriage, dissolution of marriage, division of ancestral properties etc., are multifarious and different from sect to sect, group to group, location to location, and that anyone in India cannot count it. India has grown to its present stature with all these diversities and multiculturalism.

Different cultures and beliefs followed by the citizen of our Nation do not hinder our march towards achieving any goal or competing with the rest of the world in all the modern platforms and scientific and technological development. In other words, observing different religious beliefs and following various rituals and laws in their relationship does not affect our Nation's growth to its present stature in all spheres of action.

Ours is a democratic and secular state; the rights of minorities must be treated at par with the majority, and their unique customs and traditions are protected from amalgamation with that of the majority within our Constitution. UCC revolves substantially around the notion of accomplishing the ‘Indian Identity.' If we were to judge what the domain of the Indian Identity is, then we have nothing evidentiary to look upon. For different sections, it is different. In a multicultural polity like ours, where one group constitutes the majority, there are severe threats involving the discriminatory behaviour of various institutions.

Considering the enormous size of Indian polity and its multicultural behaviour and also taking into account the apprehensions expressed in the Constituent Assembly by the Constitution framers, the Indian Constitution, to protect the belief, culture, and rituals of the personal life of all the minority groups has rightfully introduced several Articles.

As fundamental rights, the Hon'ble Apex Court, by its Constitution benches through its several landmark judgments, insulated the Legislature from intruding into the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution to various minority groups. "The Basic Structure theory that the Apex Court has formulated has granted protection and confidence to the minorities in India to follow their own beliefs and to do things according to their ideas.

Grand Mufti also said that If the Government or any other agency considers it necessary to discuss any lacunae or deficiency in any personal law, they are free to call on the religious/community leaders and place their suggestions before them. Any change in the personal laws without evolving consensual views among the religious leaders of such a group would invite untold miseries and hardship to the groups and affect the Society at large. Also, that will violate the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. So, everyone should come forward to resist moves to implement UCC, which will primarily affect the integrity of our country.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, has extended his wishes and prayers on the Feast of Sacrifice. Eid al-Adha is an occasion to mark the sacrifice and dedication of human beings to God. This festival and the sacrifice of animals is a metaphor that holds significant importance in our faith, commemorating the devotion and sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim, He said.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, teaches us profound lessons of faith, obedience, and selflessness. It reminds us of the supreme act of surrender to the will of Allah demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim when he was commanded to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael). In His mercy, Allah provided a ram as a substitute, highlighting the importance of trust, patience, and faith in our Creator.

It is also highlighting the message that ritual murder, which was prevalent in ancient societies, is anti-divine and inhuman, as God doesn't allow to sacrifice of Ismail. It symbolizes our willingness to give up our desires and priorities for the sake of God. It urges us to embody generosity, compassion, and solidarity, reaching out to those in need and ensuring no one is left behind.

The Grand Mufti urged the believers to remember the less fortunate, the impoverished, and those facing hardships. Our duty as Humans is to share our blessings and lend a helping hand to those in need. Let us strive to positively impact society by extending our support, love, and care to all, regardless of their backgrounds.

He also said and prayed that the Eid al-Adha encourages us to foster strong family bonds and community unity. It is a time for gathering, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and spreading joy. Everyone should use this occasion to strengthen kinship ties, mend broken relationships, and spread love and harmony.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India prayed and expressed his condolences over the shocking Odisha train accident when the Coromandel Express derailed. Grand Mufti also called for an immediate investigation by the government regarding the cause of the incident and to provide free medical service to the survivors and compensation for the bereaved.
"Condolences to the families of the bereaved and Joining in their deep sorrow. May the almighty help the injured a speedy recovery and save all of us from sudden and unpredictable accidents" Mufti said with prayers.

New Delhi: Supreme head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, H.H Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, met the Grand Mufti of India H.E Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, at Calicut, Kerala.Both religious leaders talked about the current social situation and the need to strengthen the harmony between the two communities. They shared thoughts to maintain communal peace and coexistence and measures to foster fruitful interfaith discussions between religions.

The critical points of the mutual conversation of both leaders are as follows;

-All people should come forward to stop the recent attempts by vested interests to create unrest among minority groups; often, there are attempts to confuse and cause misunderstanding among each other. There are continuous efforts for this purpose in social media and other platforms. Realizing this, everyone should stand for communal unity and peace in the country.

-The use of alcohol and drugs is rampant in our society. Drugs have a significant role in all the recent shocking murders in Kerala. Even students are addicted to deadly drugs. The meeting said both sessions would Organize systems to educate people and students about the effects of drug addiction.

-It will awaken the government to the need for urgent intervention to eradicate the scourge of drug addiction. The authorities should intervene to prohibit liquor and intoxicants and give substantial penalties to those involved in drug abuse crimes.

-In higher education, the systems of both communities will work harmoniously to use each other and provide better educational facilities to economically backward and ordinary people.

-Encourage creative platforms for maintaining mutual friendships through educational institutions, public spaces and social media.

-Share positive messages between communities through Mahal and parochial systems to maintain the ancient brotherly atmosphere of the country.

-Will find places to work together in the areas needed for the country's and society's progress.

-Both leaders also stated that they would initiate further the long-standing harmony and goodwill among the minority communities.

Uniting against communal polarization and racism is the need of the hour. Marthoma Mathews III said that Sheikh Abubakr's stand against terrorism and racism is commendable and praised. Grand Mufti reacted that the interventions made by Marthoma Mathews against communal disagreements among minorities were very beneficial. In the meeting, the Kerala state secretary of Sunni Yuvajana Sangam, Dr AP Abdul Hakkim Azhari, Jamia Markaz University Pro Chancellor Dr Hussain Muhammed Saquafi Chullikode, Care & Share International Foundation Managing Director Father Thomas Kurian Marotipuzha and Jithin Mathew Philip were present.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, expressed his condolence over the boat overturned accident at Tuwalthiram Beach at Tanur, Malappuram Kerala. He said the tragedy in which more than twenty people died is harrowing—condolences to the bereaved families.  The efforts of people's representatives, locals, fishermen, police, fire force, voluntary organizations and health workers, including ministers active in the rescue operation late at night, are greatly appreciated, Grand Mufti Said. He also prayed for the deceased for their hereafter.

New Delhi: The Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, condemned the brutal shooting of teachers in a school at Kurram, a district in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Schools are the centres of knowledge and the places for learning, harmony and humanity, for the students who are citizens of tomorrow. Killing teachers in front of them is shocking and unbearable act. These elements are threat to society. The Pakistan Government should take immediate action to find the culprits and punish them despite their tribe, ideology and status, he said. The Grand Mufti also said that extremists' anti-national and inhumane activities in any nation cannot be tolerated, especially in the name of religion and ideologies. Islam does not promote extremist and anti-human movements and ideologies but resists them with peace and harmony.

New Delhi: The Grand Mufti of Egypt, H.E Dr Shawki Allam, visited and interacted with the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, at Calicut, Kerala. In the meeting, they discussed the policies to be adopted by the Muslim community against deviant ideologies and internal conflicts. The discussion has agreed to accelerate educational exchange relations between India and Egypt and strengthen academic leadership and joint efforts against terrorist ideologies. Sheikh Shawki Allam arrived in India on a six-day visit as an official guest of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations under the Union Ministry of External Affairs, India. He visited Aligarh Muslim University in Delhi and Jamia Markazu Saquafathi Sunniya and the Indian Grand Masjid Jamiul Futuh in Calicut and interacted with teachers and students. 

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India exchanged his Greetings and prayers on the special occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. 'It is the occasion to celebrate the end of month-long fasting. Eid is a festival of giving, sharing, introspection, and rejoicing with families. Eid ul Fitr has a deep spiritual significance for all, as the occasion marks sharing happiness despite wealth, ethnicity, demography, caste, and colour', Grand Mufti said in his Eid Message. Grand Mufti also extended that Eid-ul-Fitr is a realization of and redefinition of human existence with spiritual experiences and purification of mind and body. It projects selfless humanitarian virtues for the entire society. Grand Mufti called on the believers to Celebrate Eid with all fellow beings and make everyone happy with love, peace, care, and co-existence and prayed that May the Almighty bless and grace all on this special day!

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India condemned and expressed concern over the encroachment on the Azizia Madrasa in Bihar's Nalanda district. "Everyone should respect the beliefs of others in a pluralistic society and practice living in harmony and co-existence,"; Grand Mufti said. It was the oldest Madrasa, and the library in Bihar Sharif in the Nalanda district of Bihar. The 110-year-old library, which had a collection of more than 4,500 ancient books and manuscripts, was also destroyed. Such cases are reported frequently against Masjids and Madrassas. Grand Mufti said that the government should see these heinous crimes seriously and take immediate and foolproof action against the culprits.

New Delhi: Freedom is a state that is best understood in its absence! When the movement and affairs of state and citizens are determined by an external agency we feel irritated. However, we seldom realize the fact that, the sweetness of freedom we now enjoy has been brought fought with foreign invaders by the collective efforts of all sections of our predecessors, disregarding religion, caste, colour or demography, and it is precious and priceless. The privilege to enjoy freedom in its true sense is equal to all Indians, for it is their birthright as the great freedom fighter Tilak said. Anyone trying to deny this right is doing so against the Constitution and judiciary of the state.

Our country is a free republic, that does not mean anybody can act at his free will. Any intervention in stately affairs should be in conformity with the Constitution and law of the country. The freedom, privacy and Constitutional rights of any citizen should not be curtailed or encroached. The thoughts of freedom within the individual should not be the impetus to take any extreme actions leading to violence and injustice. Rulers are the guardians of our Constitution and it is their responsibility to work for the progress of the nation and promote its unity and integrity. This can be best achieved by providing basic, advanced and skill oriented education and involving in need based and sustainable humanitarian projects, wherever required. India is a feeling that unites billions of people across diversity. Peaceful co existence and individual freedom are injured when anyone destroy these differences and going to extreme actions, to gain supremacy over the other. Only when there exist a unity in diversity, only when the weakest among us share the fruits of progress, only when the state resources are equally distributed, only when wholesome development is envisaged, we realize and enjoy the freedom in its  literary sense, and this must be the message we share for the coming generations.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India conveyed wishes and words on the eve of the 75th Independence Day of the country. "When we were forced to partially curtail our free movement for a while, we could well realize the meaning and value of independence! Despite being independent and resourceful, we were arrested and made to fight for our own bread;. GM reminded, pointing to the pandemic that followed lockdowns and free walks. He also said that the message of the time is to embrace human values, face the crisis positively, respect the environment and enjoy your freedom but always grant the fellow beings and Nature their dues. Harmony of hearts bring peace and progress to the nation, Grand Mufti asserted.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India has asked in his Eid message to move forward with life ahead by adhering to the lessons of refinement and self-control elucidated from fasting. Believers must exercise the faithfulness and confidence harvested from Ramadan in the right direction and dutiful action. Violence, injustice and cold-blooded killings are on the rise in the country. True worshippers should abstain from such immature impulses. Forces of darkness are making covert efforts to promote religious hatred and bigotry. It is the responsibility of citizens to prevent the heinous attempts of any model to disrupt peace and oneness. On this Eid, rededicate to strengthen amity and understanding. May Eid brings to you true spirits of celebrations and tolerance to strengthen the knots. Compassion should be the catchword from fasting.

New Delhi: "Ramadan, the Holy month of sacrifice and dedication, has arrived for humanity. I stand with prayers and wishes to all the believers on this blessed occasion." Grand Mufti urged the believers to take advantage of the days and nights of Ramadan with fasting, Salat, Adkars and virtuous deeds. He sought to the Almighty for all niceness and blessings, and accept everyone's acts of kindness. GM also asked to capture the precious moments of the month and inspirit them by faith, dedication, sincere deeds, charity and philanthropy. Engage the time in Qur'an recitations and self-purification; by providing food, Zakat and Sadaqa to the needy and do charity in private to one's own family members and co-living beings, all these will surely have their multiple rewards in Jannah; Grand Mufti said in his Ramadan message.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India extended his wishes and message on the 73rd Republic Day of India. He said that there are innumerable parties and castes in India. The Constitution of India gives all castes and creeds the freedom to live according to their beliefs and customs, and It must last forever. In the verbatim, governance is about preserving its core values. There will be no trouble in the country as long as it exists—the country's citizens want to maintain its security and integrity. The Grand Mufti said. Ours is a country inhabited by different languages, religions and castes. India is a prime example of unity in diversity among world nations. We must preserve Democracy and religious values without any damage, which leads to enjoying the country's incredible beauty forever. We must be cautious of moves by the evil forces to disrupt the peace. Governments should prevent the tendency of any deviations from the values of the Constitution. All people must unite to face and survive such practices, even in times of pandemics and other crises, Grand Mufti added.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India said that the Constitution, which is resolved for the ultimate peace and progress of the people of India living in a diverse religious and social environment, should be held high to assure the security and protection of the people in its original sense. “Ours is an administrative structure that states that freedom and equality must be made available to all citizens in the preamble so must permit thought, expression, faith, religion and worship. In our country, which is home to diverse religious, cultural and linguistic communities, it is the values enshrined in the Constitution that unite all as Indians," Grand Mufti said.

It is regretful that there has been a perversion in the recent times in the implementation and observance of the Constitutional values in the country. Instigating hatred and enmity between different communities breaks down India's beautiful concept of secularism. Conflicts are never the solution; On the contrary, they threaten our peaceful life. Governments must prepare to teach constitutional lessons to all citizens. Those who read the Constitution once will understand the spirit of India and gradually focus on secularism, mutual love and the strengthening of democracy. Grand Mufti said, that this must be the effort of the Republic Day this year.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India has alleged that by setting religion as the basis for citizenship, the stage is being set for the next partition of the country. In the first look it may appear that the intention of having the existing citizenship law amendment bill and the new NRC is to prevent cross border illegal immigration. But it could also be suspected to harbour the ulterior motive to defranchice and push out those Muslims who have been living in India for several decades.One of the key historical factor that enabled human progress and the formation of human civilization is immigration . Instead of accepting this basic fact and treating all immigrants as human beings , showing blatant discrimination against them on the basis of religion is an insult to high ethical principles our country espouses. In 1947, most of the Muslims in the subcontinent had decided to stay back in India by staunchly opposing the idea of partition and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Indian Muslims have been consistent in that position for the last seven decades.But unfortunately what we witness now is a cruel repetition of those unsavoury events. It's is ironic that at a time when we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahathma Gandhi who had been a staunch opponent of the idea of partition of the subcontinent on the basis of religion, the government is pushing it's divisive agenda of segregating the inhabitants of our country in the name of religion, Grand Mufti added.

New Delhi: The Grand Mufti of India calls for a review of the controversial Babari Masjid verdict, which the Indian High Court has ordered recently after a long period of legal procedures. Courts constitute a significant pillar of Indian democracy. When civil rights get violated, or disputes occur between individuals and communities, and when there are various interpretations of laws, the courts are responsible for making the correct decision. The judiciary is an essential part of a democratic system. Therefore, citizens should respect the judgments it passes, and those judgments cannot be denied. At the same time, he said citizens can voice their opinions on the verdicts. The Grand Mufti said that while analyzing the recent Babri Masjid verdict, minorities are disappointed. In 1949, the Supreme Court noted bringing an idol inside the Masjid was wrong, and the court found that the Masjid demolition in 1992 was an offence, and there was no evidence that the Masjid has constructed by the destruction of the temple. Muslims expect a legal solution to every concern. Emotional moves are not the right way to tackle situations, especially for the Muslim community. Moreover, Islam and Muslims advocate the middle path. The same has been seen across the country in terms of court rulings. Everyone respected the verdict with extreme restraint. Multiplicity and diversity are the strength of Indian society. India is characterized by unity in diversity. Nothing should disturb that tradition on the part of communities, rulers, courts or legislatures. There should be steps to strengthen harmony. The integrity of the country must remain strong. For that, the rights of different religious communities should be protected.Those who are backward should be uplifted. The legal system should do justice to all. Efforts should be made to integrate all sections into the national mainstream; the Grand Mufti elaborated on the verdict.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India met with Union Minister of Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in Delhi. They discussed various issues related to education and social development in the meeting. Grand Mufti also met Lok Sabha Speaker OM Birla and Union Minister of State for Minorities V Muraleedharan. He requested the Minister to address the academic deficit of the Aligarh University Malappuram sub-Centre and make available the necessary funds and resources to elevate the project for which the Kerala government had allotted three hundred acres of land as one of the major academic hubs of South India.

New Delhi: In the wake of the Babri Masjid verdict, the Grand Mufti of India inaugurated the National Mufti Meet held at the Grand Mufti Office in New Delhi, which brought together the major Muftis of India. In the gathering of Muftis from different states, it was decided to join parties in legal cases related to Islamic Shariah and to make legal interventions in a manner that preserves the integrity of Shariah. It has been decided to conduct necessary workshops in various cities to groom talented students for higher posts like IAS and IPS and to bring essential schemes across the country to spend more capital on education. The Mufti representatives also decided to discuss with the central and state governments to take necessary measures to remove the growing fear of identity among Muslims. Dr. Ghulam Yahya Anjum Misbahi, Maulana Shihabuddin Razvi, Mufti Muhammad Raisuddin Noori, Mufti Altaf Raza, Maulana Shaukat Ali Barakati, Maulana Farooq Alam Razvi, Mufti Abdul Waris Muradabadi, Maulana Syed Javed Naqshabandi, Mufti Sabit Al Khati. Diri Rampur delivered the speech.

New Delhi: Grand mufti of India submitted a letter to honorable Maithripala Sirisena, the president of Sri Lanka in relation to the Easter day attack. The letter was handed over in a meeting with the Ambassador of UAE Ahmed L.S Khan at Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The Grand Mufti wrote in the letter that In the attack, it was clear that the terrorists aspired to ruin the smooth and peaceful ambience of Sri Lanka and in turn create the country's living condition complicated. As the citizens of the very neighbouring country of Sri Lanka, we mourned, saddened and prayed to the Almighty Allah to save your country from such terrorists for days after the deadly attacks. Terrorists behind the deadly attack in Sri Lanka are enemies of humanityThose such extreme inhumane ideologues is a threat to the whole world and thus all the persons involved in Massacre should be captured and given the hardest punishments. No religions support such barbarians. Indian Muslims support the Government's effective investigation process.

Ambassador Ahmed L.S Khan assured he will hand over the letter to the president soon,  and expressed his happiness in visiting the Grand Mufti. He said as a neighbouring nation, Sri Lankan Government keeps a good relationship with the Citizens of India. The government acknowledges issues of security very seriously and the investigation is going on extremely potent. Every innocent citizen of the country will be protected by the country and whoever want to make tensions will be punished. Dr A.P Abdul Hakkim Azhari, the director of Jamia Markaz Calicut, accompanied the Grand mufti in the meeting.

New Delhi: Grand Mufti of India said in a statement that those who perpetrated the heinous deadly attack in Sri Lanka are the enemies of Islam and they don't know what is Quran nor Prophet Muhammad’s words. The extremist views of those criminals were their own mentally fabricated theories that never be acceptable to any religion.  Such brutal perpetrators will be the cruellest men in front of God and will be doubtlessly rewarded permanent Hell Punishment in eternal life. He also added the Sri Lanka's Mainstream scholars and Sufi believers had strongly opposed when these criminals came out with rigorous and irreligious propagation in the cities like Kattankudy against Sunni-Sufi Muslims acknowledging that they are criminals and the enemies of Islam years before, as well as complained to the Police. He added that Indian Community, particularly the Muslims are wholeheartedly standing with the Christian brothers of Sri Lanka and prayed for the Almighty Allah to save the nation from such terrorists. The Grand Mufti stated that he has sent a letter to Austin Fernando, the High commissioner of Sri Lanka in India in solidarity with the Nation in this turbulent time. He added that the Sri Lankan government should consider the Muslim community in the country though they are in fears in many ways, to be safe.   The criminals who were caught by the Security agencies so far don't deserve any sympathy and should be given the hardest punishments: Grand Mufti added.

Calicut: Grand Mufti of India stated in the Tribute conference held in Calicut, Kerala, India in solidarity with the victims of the terror attack that what  the intention of terrorists was generating tensions among  different believers in New Zealand, but it was failed due to the intensive and heartily support of the prime minister of New Zealand and other government officials to those who lost beloveds and the country's Muslims in  general.  He praised the caring activities of the government saying that the New Zealand Government is a model to the whole world. The increasing of Far-right anti-Muslim politics is a threat that some countries face today should be challenged in the New Zealand model, where none of the media nor person agreed this heinous act, rather they implement new laws such as complete gun control. Tolerance and Humanity should be widely spread over to every citizen everywhere, irrespective of one's religion. The world becomes more calm and colourful when different faiths and ideas are being expressed together: He said.  Hundreds of believers gathered in the meeting.  The Grand Mufti had announced to conduct prayer meetings and special namaz in mosques yesterday after Friday Jumua prayer. He also had sent a condolence letter to the prime minister of New Zealand on Wednesday,  through the New Zealand ambassador in UAE.

New Delhi: Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad has been elected as the Grand Mufti  of India at the Gareeb Nawaz Peace Conference held at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi on Sunday. Hazrath Mannan Khan Razvi Barelvi, Sufi scholar from Uttar Pradesh, conferred the title.The event was organized under the banner of the predominant Sunni organization in the country, All India Thanzeem Ulamae Islam. Grand Mufti is a position that holds the supreme authority to issue fatwa (authoritative legal opinion on Islamic matters).Sayed Ameen Miya Barakthi, founder of Aligarh Al Barakath Institute, Sheikh Hazrath Sayyid Babr Ashraf, vice-president of Ajmeer Darga, Mufthi Shfaq Husain Qadiri, national president of Tanzime Ulama, among others were present at the function. Addressing the gathering at the function, Grand Mufti said Muslims in India should be united under a platform irrespective of the differences. The Islamic movements in India would attempt to strengthen peace in the country along with development works in education and humanitarian sectors, he said.