IOS organises condolence meeting on the demise of Abdul Qayyum Akhtar, Advocate

IOS organises condolence meeting on the demise of Abdul Qayyum Akhtar, Advocate

New Delhi, November 30, 2023: A condolence meeting to mourn the death of Abdul Qayyum Akhtar, Advocate, founder member of the IOS and general secretary, All India Milli Council, Rajasthan was jointly organized by the Institute of Objective Studies and the AIMC at the Institute’s auditorium on November 30, 2023.

The condolence meet commenced with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Qur’an by Maulana Adnan Nadwi. In his opening remarks, noted Islamic scholar and professor emeritus, Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey said that Abdul Qayyum was actively involved in the affairs of the Millat and led the Muslim community at every level. Acknowledging his services to the community in various capacities, he described him as a multi-faceted personality. He would be remembered for ever for his selfless services and dedication to the cause of Muslim community. He held that Abdul Qayyum was closely associated with the IOS and his closeness to its Chairman, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam brought him closer to the activities of the Institute. His work as general secretary of Rajasthan unit of the AIMC had been acclaimed by the office-bearers of the body. Besides, he actively participated in several social movements for the cause of the community.

General Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Fazalur Rahim Mujaddidi, observed that his association with Abdul Qayyum was very old and he knew him since 1955. He was also associated with his father. Assistant secretary, AIMC, Shaikh Nizamuddin, held that Abdul Qayyum always evinced keen interest in all the projects of the Council. He was second to none in discharging his responsibilities and measured up to the expectations of the Council as its leader. His role in strengthening the Council in Rajasthan could be gauged from the fact that a number of dedicated Muslims joined it and worked for its expansion. Convenor of the Mujaddid IOS Centre for Arts and Literature, Anjum Naim, said that his association with Abdul Qayyum Akhtar was 45-year old. Whenever he met him, Abdul Qayyum always discussed the issues of Muslims and appeared concerned over them. He served as Chairman of the Rajasthan Waqf Board and played a pivotal role in the setting up of Rajasthan Madarsa Board. He was also the founder-member of the IOS, Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat and the All India Milli Council. Anjum said that he played an active role in the Karwan-i-Azadi (Caravan of freedom) launched by the Council.

In spite of keeping ill-health, the Chairman of the IOS, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam attended the condolence meeting and paid his rich tributes to Abdul Qayyum Akhtar. He said that Abdul Qayyum Akhtar had much affection for him. He was a very close friend of him. He observed that for him, Abdul Qayyum Akhtar was Saaniya Ashra Mubashra (like Companion), if not Ashra Mubashra (Companion). He expressed the hope that the team developed by him and worked with him, would devote its time and energy to the growth and longevity of the Tree. It was his fortune that he always came into contact with noble souls. These people extended all cooperation to him and helped the Institute grow step by step. He explained that the IOS was never found wanting in responding to the attacks on Islam. He expressed his gratitude to those who connected Abdul Qayyum to him on phone two days ago. Luckily, the conversation with him was long, he concluded.

Presiding over the condolence meet, the secretary general of the Institute, Prof. Z.M. Khan pointed out that Abdul Qayyum Akhtar had a very intimate relationship with Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam. He was very practical and attached much importance to ground work. He was very deeply associated with the IOS and his suggestions were very useful, Prof. Khan said.

National vice-president of All India Milli Council, Maulana Anis-ur-Rahman Qasmi, veteran journalist, Maqbool Ahmed Siraj, vice-chairman of the IOS, Prof. M. Afzal Wani, vice-president of the AIMC, Maulana Dr. Yasin Ali Usmani, Dr. Abdul Rasheed Agwan, Mujahid Ali Naqvi, advocate, Danish Akhtar, advocate and Sarvar Alam Atif also spoke on the occasion. While the assistant secretary general of the Institute, Prof. Haseena Hashia conducted the proceedings and thanked the attendees, Maulana Abdullah Tariq offered dua for Abdul Qayyum Akhtar’s exalted place in Jannah at the end of the meet.