Friday, Jul 26, 2013
Dubai - Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) has announced Dr. Zakir Naik of India as the Islamic Personality of the Year for 2013, replacing Shaikh Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, who was earlier named by DIHQA,
In an emergency press conference called by DIHQA organising committee at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, venue of DIHQA programmes, the decision was announced to the media by Ebrahim Bumilha, Chairman of DIHQA’s organising committee.
Bumilha said that the decision was taken due to Shaikh Al Tayyeb’s inability to travel as a result of Egypt’s worsening security situation.
“Shaikh Al Tayyeb is unable to travel due to the situation in Egypt, which is very senistive. Compelled by the situation the organising committee has made a decision to name Dr. Zakir Naik, renowned Islamic scholar and preacher as the Islamic Personality for the 17th session,” announced Bumilha.
Mumbai-based Dr. Naik is a medical doctor by training but has made name world over as dynamic Islamic Orator on Islam and Comparative religion.
Dr. Naik has held hundreds of lectures and debates world over, several of them in Dubai, and is popular for critical analysis and scientific explanations of religious subjects.
The 48 year old scholar is a disciple late South African Islami scholar Ahmad Deedat.
By Shafat Shahbandari Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
