New Delhi: Prominent Islamic scholar , thinker and prolific writer Maulana Wahiduddin Khan has passed away. His death happened at 10.30 at Apollo Hospital, his grandson Mazen Khan informed the media.
He was admitted to the hospital a week ago on testing COVID positive. Although he was shifted to intensive care when his condition deteriorated, Khan succumbed to the disease on Wednesday. He was 96.
A scholar known the world over, he was once listed among the 500 most eminent Islamic scholars. He started the Urdu magazine Al-Risala in 1976 and launched its English version in 1984 and the Hindi version in 1990. He was born in Aazamgharh in UP in 1925.
Wahiduddin Khan's translation of Quran in English was a notable contribution in Islamic scholarship. He was also the founder of the Islamic Centre in New Delhi.
Marked for certain remarks at variance with the Muslim mainstream views, he had once courted controversy even with a call on Muslims to give up their claim on Babri masjid.
Khan was conferred Padma Vibhushan in January this year. He had also been awarded Rajeev National Sadbhavana Award, besides other national and international accolades.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and said he will be remembered for his insightful knowledge on matters of theology and spirituality.
"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," Modi tweeted.
Khan is survived his two sons and two daughters.