Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Alias Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar revered as the Grand Mufti of India, is an illustrious Sufi scholar celebrated for his unwavering dedication to the service of humanity. Drawing inspiration from the Sufi concept of ‘khidma’, which emphasizes service to humanity and is deeply ingrained in Indian spiritual traditions, he underscores the profound dimensions of human existence as a conduit to genuine fulfillment. Further, his deep appreciation for India’s diverse cultural and religious mosaic positions him as a fervent champion of communal harmony, seamlessly intertwining spiritual values with civic responsibilities.
A passionate nationalist, Sheikh Abubakr tirelessly works towards tightening the societal fabric so that inclusivity becomes the norm rather than the exception. In the sphere of education, Sheikh Abubakr’s contributions are monumental. He has been the driving force behind the establishment of thousands of schools and colleges across the nation, all with the singular focus of elevating society through educational empowerment. His educational ventures, including the renowned Jamia Markaz, established in 1978 have offered cost-free education to millions, making sure that financial limitations do not barricade the road to enlightenment. His educational ventures now include the following: 12232 primary schools, 11010 secondary schools, 638 colleges, and graduate institutes.
His holistic approach to societal upliftment is evident from the vast array of projects he has championed. Notably, 18,745 orphans have been sheltered and supported through his orphan care initiatives. Recognizing the fundamental right to clean drinking water, he has successfully executed 72500 drinking water projects benefiting 6028 villages. Housing, a basic human necessity, was provided to 16,937 families under the projects named ‘Iskan’, ‘sadath bhavan’, and ‘Darul khair. In the realm of employment, his initiatives have opened doors of opportunities, providing direct employment to 1,35,000 individuals and equipping another 45000 with the skills necessary to find work. Sheikh Abubakr’s commitment to the health sector is evident in the establishment of 4675 health centers and pain and palliative clinics. These centres have also trained more than 50000 volunteers as health workers. Sanitation, often an overlooked yet critical aspect of public health, was addressed with the construction of 9,920 toilets.
His commitment to national integration is further illustrated through his initiatives in madrasa modernization, interfaith dialogue, and organizing peace conferences. Particularly noteworthy is his groundbreaking role in revolutionizing the madrasa education system in India. He effectively integrated modern sciences into the curricula of madrasas and Islamic seminaries nationwide and transformed them into the quintessential institutions of nation-building.
Speakers & Chief Guests
Spiritual Guide
Resource Provider
Event Collaborator
Content Contributors