PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA – The International Sahihul Bukhari Recitation Conference concluded in Malaysia’s administrative capital with a message about Islamic tradition from Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad. Speaking to a gathering of global scholars, administrators, and ministers, the Grand Mufti emphasized that “tradition is the soul of Islam” and urged believers to maintain traditional belief systems for peaceful coexistence and social security.
Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim inaugurated the 12-day conference, organized by the Malaysian Religious Affairs Department. During the event, the Prime Minister received the Grand Mufti’s 20-volume commentary of Sahih Al-Bukhari, the prominent text after the Holy Qur’an named ‘Tadkeerul Qari’, a comprehensive work based on his six decades of teaching Sahih al-Bukhari. The conference also featured a special prayer session for world peace.
The event, aimed at promoting Islamic heritage through Sahih al-Bukhari drew 750 selected full-time listeners and over 5,000 attendees for its concluding session. The conference is part of Malaysia’s broader Madani Policy initiatives to promote traditional Islamic values.
Notable attendees included Deputy Prime Ministers Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi and Fadillah bin Yusuf, Malaysian Mufti Dr. Luqman bin Abdullah, and distinguished scholars from various countries. International religious figures present included Sheikh Muhammad Abdul Huda Al Yaqoobi from Syria, Al Habib Umar Jalani from Malaysia, Sheikh Afifuddin Jilani from Baghdad, Dr Jamal Farooq from Egypt, and Sheikh Ismail Muhammad Sadiq from Uzbekistan.
The event marked a significant milestone since its launch at the Putra Mosque last July, where Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad was honoured with Malaysia’s prestigious Ma’al Hijra Award. Minister of Religious Affairs Dr Muhammad Naeem bin Mukhtar presided over the closing ceremony.
Representatives from India who accompanied the Grand Mufti included Jamia Markaz Chancellor C Muhammad Faizi, Pro-Chancellor Dr Hussain Saquafi Chullicode, and Sayyed Shihabuddin Ahdal Muthanur, among others.
Prime Minister Ibrahim highlighted his government’s commitment to promoting Islamic values through special projects under the Religious Affairs Department, emphasizing the enduring influence of the Holy Quran and Hadiths on humanity.
