Reformist, philanthropist and scholar Maulana Kalbe Sadiq worked for interfaith harmony
Maulana Kalbe Sadiq, also known as the Second Sir Syed of India by his followers, passed away on November 24 at the age of 83. He was a reformist, philanthropist, scholar and, above all, a Shia leader of India. Even his last political act was typical of his persona: a fiercely independent person who never shied away from voicing his stance. Shortly before his death, he had visited Lucknow, capital of India’s biggest state, Uttar Pradesh, on a wheelchair to address people protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. He was vocal with his views and took a bold position on the Babri Masjid dispute, maintaining that Muslims should hand over the land to Hindus. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, in which he was serving as the senior vice president, was fighting the case against Ram Temple petitioners.