Bukhara, Uzbekistan: In a momentous ceremony at the Sarafshon Convention Center in Bukhara, the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, was adorned in the traditional ‘Hirqatul Bukhariyyah’, a symbol of profound respect from the Muftis and Qazis of Central Asian nations. This gesture marks a historic occasion, as it is the first time a post-independent Indian Muslim scholar has been bestowed with such an honor in Central Asia.
The Grand Mufti was honored for his invaluable contributions to the teaching and dissemination of the esteemed collection of Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari, the text after the Qur’an, and his scholarly endeavors spanning across India and beyond. Alongside him, Sheikh Habeeb Umar Hafeez, an eminent scholar from Yemen and the founder of Darul Mustafa Institutions, was also recognized. Both scholars were chosen for their exceptional dedication to the exploration of Hadith and their leadership in pioneering new educational avenues on an international scale. This recognition further acknowledges the extensive preaching endeavors undertaken by the Grand Mufti of India and Habeeb Umar Hafeez over the past two decades.
Presiding over the ceremony were esteemed figures including Tashkent Supreme Imam, Sheikh Rahmatullahi Tirmidhi, Bukhara Mufti Sheikh Jabir Elov, Surkhandaria Qazi, Sheikh Ali Akbar Saifullah Tirmidhi. The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Adam Shahidov, the religious advisor of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, with special guest Sheikh Yahya Rhodes, a distinguished Muslim scholar from the Western world.
Additionally, contributions were made by Sheikh Habib Jindan from Indonesia, Habib Ali Zainul Abideen from Malaysia, and Salim Bin Hafeez Umar from Yemen, enriching the gathering with diverse perspectives. Scholars and guests from twenty countries graced the occasion, underscoring the global significance of the event.
Emphasizing the need for the contemporary scholarly community to recognize the scholarly legacy and religious contributions of Imam Bukhari (AD-810-870), the meeting concluded with a resounding call for acknowledgment.
The Grand Mufti also led the Grand Sahihul Bukhari Dars at Imam Bukhari’s resting place in Samarkand, marking the largest Bukhari Majlis in Uzbekistan’s history. The week-long visit of the Grand Mufti and Sheikh Habeeb Umar bin Hafeez to Uzbekistan, aimed at rejuvenating the legacy of Sahih al-Bukhari in the homeland of Imam Bukhari and across Central Asia, is of paramount importance to the scholarly world.
The Grand Mufti will also participate in various programs organized under the auspices of the Government of Uzbekistan.
