Mumbai: Muslim groups have asked the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to consider honouring Maulana Sheikh Abubakar Musliyar, the honorary 'Grand Mufti' of India, with the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. The title of the 'Grand Mufti' is held by the senior-most religious leader of India's Sunni Muslims.
Musliyar, 94, an Islamic scholar and educationist from Kerala, recently intervened to get Houthi-ruled Sana'a in Yemen to postpone the execution of Kerala-based nurse, Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death, with the execution scheduled for July 16, 2025.
Musliyar was instrumental in getting the execution postponed by using his scholarly standing, spiritual influence, and international goodwill. Nimisha was convicted for the murder of her former business partner who she had accused of torture and forced confinement after he took away her passport and other personal documents. The murdered man's family had refused the tribal custom of accepting 'blood money' as compensation.
Mohammed Saeed Noori, president of Raza Academy, Mumbai, said that this intervention by Mudaliyar is not only a noble act and example of humanitarian service, but also a gesture that enhanced India’s global image and dignity.
"Sheikh Abubakar Musliyar Sahib continues to serve humanity through education, social welfare, and spiritual leadership. His lifelong contributions have had a profound impact both within India and internationally. On behalf of countless citizens, we earnestly appeal to the Government of India and to your honourable self to confer the Bharat Ratna on such a distinguished personality. This will send a clear message to the world that India values and honours those who dedicate their lives to peace, knowledge, and selfless service," said Noori.
