India’s top Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan dies of coronavirus

Khan, 96, had been admitted to Delhi hospital and also tested positive for coronavirus

NEW DELHI:

Eminent Islamic scholar and peace activist Maulana Wahiduddin Khan passed away Wednesday night, his family members said.

Khan, 96, has been recently admitted to a Delhi hospital and also tested positive for coronavirus.

On Twitter, Zafarul Islam, Khan’s eldest son, wrote: “The great Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan breathed his last, late this evening. Doctors failed to revive his sinking heart. Pray for his maghfirat [penitence] and high station in Paradise. Ameen.”

Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was buried at noon today in Panjpeeran Qabristan near Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin. Buried in same qabristan are his mother Zaibunnisa n wife Sabi'a Khatoon. Seen are his grandsons lifting his body to place in grave. Pl pray for his maghfirat. pic.twitter.com/LuPuEyIMRQ

— Zafarul-Islam Khan (@khan_zafarul) April 22, 2021

The author of more than 200 books, Khan has been honored with several awards. This year he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Born in Azamgarh, India in 1925, Khan has been internationally recognized for his contributions to world peace. In 2009, Georgetown University in Washington, DC’s list of 500 Most Influential Muslims of 2009 named him Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world.

In 2001, he established the Centre for Peace and Spirituality to promote and reinforce a culture of peace. In 1992, when the 16th-century Babri Mosque was torn down by Hindu hardliners in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Khan went on a 15-day Shanti Yatra (peace march) through the western Maharashtra state.

Khan also wrote a two-volume commentary on the Holy Quran.

The passing of Khan is being widely mourned.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “saddened” by the news of Khan’s loss.

“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,” Modi wrote on Twitter.

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

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said he was “deeply grieved” by the demise of Khan, saying: “Maulana Wahiduddin made significant contributions to peace, harmony and reforms in the society. My deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers."