Renowned religious scholar Mufti Naeem passes away in Karachi

Jamia Binoria chancellor was being taken to the hospital when he died of cardiac arrest

KARACHI: Prominent religious scholar and Jamia Binoria International chancellor Mufti Muhammad Naeem passed away on Saturday due to cardiac arrest in Karachi, his close aide confirmed. He was 62.

The prominent cleric was being taken to the hospital when he succumbed to his heart ailment, Maulana Ghulam Rasool, administrator of Jamia Binoria, said.

His funeral prayer will be held tomorrow (Sunday) after Asr prayer.

Mufti Naeem was also a member of executive committee of Wafaqul Madaris alArabia (WMA) – the largest grouping of seminaries in the country.

Madrassas should begin online classes: Mufti Naeem

According to his family members, he was suffering from the choronic illness for a long time.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.

Born in 1958, Naeem was the founder, and the chancellor of the International Binoria Islamic University Karachi, which enrolls over 5,000 students, including hundreds from abroad.

Well-known for his moderate views about religion, Naeem espoused induction of modern subjects into the typical religious education. Binoria University was one of the initial madrassahs or religious seminaries, which introduced computer science, English, and other modern subjects along with religious education.

Established in 1980, the seminary attracted hundreds of foreign students because of its unique curriculum -- a blend of traditional and modern education.

Currently, according to Nazeer Nasir, a spokesperson for Binoria University, over 700 students from 54 different countries are enrolled with the school.

Foreign diplomats are regularly invited to the university to interact with students.

Condolences pour in

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed sorrow over the death of prominent scholar and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

Saddened to learn of the passing of a most respected religious scholar and Chancellor of Jamia Binoria International, Mufti Muhammad Naeem. My prayers and condolences go to his family.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 20, 2020

Sindh Chief Minsiter Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep grief, saying the deceased had always helped the government during difficult times.

He prayed for the departed soul.

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also expressed grief on demise of the renowned religious scholar.

"May Allah bless the departed soul in eternal peace and give strength to the bereaved family, Aameen,” military's media wing, ISPR, quoted General Qamar as saying.

Other politicians, government officials and people from different walk of life including Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences over the death of Mufti Naeem.

Terrible news! The nation has lost a distinguished religious scholar whose services for the promotion of Islamic education will continue to be remembered for a long time. My heartfelt condolences to his family & students. May Allah rest his soul in peace! https://t.co/vcOl3WBj6l

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 20, 2020

صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کا ممتاز عالم دین مفتی نعیم کے انتقال پر گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار

مرحوم مفتی نعیم کی دینی خدمات ہمیشہ یاد رکھی جائیں گی۔صدر

ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کاغمزدہ خاندان سے تعزیت کا اظہار

صدر مملکت کی مرحرم کے درجات کی بلندی کی دعاء#MuftiNaeem pic.twitter.com/GsXmCWRwEf

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) June 20, 2020

I am deeply grieved at the sad demise of Mufti Muhammad Naeem of Jamia Banoria Karachi. He was indeed an esteemed religious scholar and a promoter of interfaith harmony. May Allah Almighty accepts his services, elevates his ranks in the hereafter and give patience to his family.

— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) June 20, 2020

جامعہ بنوریہ کراچی کے مفتی نعیم کے انتقال پر انتہائ رنجیدا ہوں- اللہ اُن کو جوار رحمت میں جگہ عطا فرمائے آمین

— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) June 20, 2020

Mufti Naeem’s passing away is a sad news. He was one of the top religious guides of this country. His absence will be felt for a very long time.
May blessings of Allah be on him .

— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) June 20, 2020

Deeply grieved about Mufti Naeem’s sad passing away. My deepest sympathies with the deceased’s family. Allah janat naseeb kary

— Shafqat Mahmood (@Shafqat_Mahmood) June 20, 2020

Chief Minister Punjab @UsmanAKBuzdar has expressed his grief over the loss of renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Naeem. The CM extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. #MuftiNaeem pic.twitter.com/CTrbbQDu3E

— PTI DG Khan (@PTIDGKOFFICIAL) June 20, 2020

Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar also paid homage to the deceased cleric, saying his religious and national services will always be remembered.

(With input from Anadolu Agency)