By Zakir Azmi Nadvi
Riyad: Indian community in Riyadh paid a rich tribute to Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, vice-president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a prominent Muslim scholar, educationist and reformist.
Indians across sections attended a condolence meeting held in a local restaurant organized by senior Jamiates.
Paying his tribute Akhtarul Islam Siddiqui Nadvi, secretary general, BISWAS recalled his old memories with Moulana Kalbe Sadiq when he interviewed him at his Lucknow residence.
“I was highly impressed by his simplicity. He worked tirelessly to bridge gap between various sects. He shared strong relations with Nadwatul Ulama, a Sunni Muslim seminary,” he said.
He founded many educational institutions with support from the community and handed them over to the community. This earned him more respect in the community. He set an example to be emulated,” he added.
Murshid Kamal, Convener India Islamic Cultural Centre, Middle East region said, “Maulana Kalbe Sadiq’s demise has left a void, impossible to fill. He always stressed on strengthening brotherhood and made remarkable efforts for social harmony.”
In his opening remarks, former president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association Riyadh, Aftab Nizami described Maulana as a pioneer in the field of education and the all around development of the community.
Moulana’s sincerity, simplicity and humility were traits that always inspired the audience, said Zakir Azmi.
“Moulana Kalbe Sadiq worked tirelessly to foster harmony between the people of various faiths and religions denominations. He was always admired by people of all backgrounds throughout the country. He will be remembered for his genuine wrath and affection towards the community”, said Ghizal Mahdi, Former President JMI Alumni Association Riyadh.
Nisar Ahmed Khan highlighted that the Maulana was a renowned Islamic scholar and ambassador of communal amity who promoted scientific thought in the community. His following among Sunni Muslims and Hindus was as strong as among his Shia sect.
Zafar Bari, former General Secretary of JMI Alumni Association Riyadh stressed on need to promote his legacy of communal harmony and social reforms in the Muslim society.
Nqai Ahmed Nadvi and Shabbir Ahmed Nadwi called the Maulana “The Ambassador of Shia-Sunni Unity”, while Moosa Raza said that the contribution of Moulana Kalbe Sadiq to the communal harmony will be remembered for long time.