NEW DELHI: Renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan has died after recently being testing positive for the coronavirus.
The scholar had tested positive for COVID-19 last week and was in ICU at Apollo Hospital in New Delhi. This news was disclosed by son, Dr Saniyasnain Khan on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and said the scholar would be remembered for his “insightful knowledge” on theology and spirituality.
“Saddened by the passing away of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. He will be remembered for his insightful knowledge on matters of theology and spirituality. He was also passionate about community service and social empowerment. Condolences to his family and countless well-wishers. RIP,” the India prime minister tweeted.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.
He has left us as one big family to stay united and work for the cause of dawah. Please do dua.
Dr Saniyasnain Khan
— Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (@WahiduddinKhan) April 21, 2021
Born in Azamgarh in 1925, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan comes from a family of staunch nationalists and received his primary education from a seminary. He was a scholar and and peace activist known for writing a commentary on the Holy Quran and translating into contemporary English.
He wrote over 200 books on several aspects of Islam and on other subjects such as secularism, inter-faith dialogue, social harmony and freedom of speech. He had also written a two-volume commentary on the Holy Quran. In 1970, he established the Centre for Peace and Spirituality to promote peaceful coexistence, social harmony and interfaith dialogue.
Saddened by the passing away of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. He will be remembered for his insightful knowledge on matters of theology and spirituality. He was also passionate about community service and social empowerment. Condolences to his family and countless well-wishers. RIP.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2021
Six years later, he started a monthly magazine called Al-Risala, which primarily comprised his own articles that spoke to the Muslim community about their responsibilities. Al-Risala was launched in both English and Hindi in February 1984 and December 1990, respectively.
Khan was awarded India’s second-highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, for his exceptional contribution in the field of spiritualism. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000.
In 2015, when he was conferred with the Sayyidina Imam Al Hassan Ibn Ali Peace Award in Abu Dhabi. In the same year, he was also included in the list of 500 Most Influential Muslims.
