Inamullah Khan
Inamullah Khan (1912–1997) was a Muslim activist who symbolised the World Muslim Congress, Al-Motamar al-Alam al-Islami, for almost four and half decades. He was awarded the Templeton Prize in 1988.[1]
Early years
Inamullah Khan was born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1912. His family originally hailed from Zamania, India, and he migrated to Pakistan in 1948.
Contributions
Inamullah Khan was the founder and former secretary-general of the Modern World Muslim Congress in Karachi, Pakistan. He devoted his life to working tirelessly to advance peace among Muslims, Christians, and Jews. He also desired to promote Islamic unity and concern to help end the oppression and subjugation of Muslims in the world.
He organised a worldwide signature campaign on the question of Jammu and Kashmir and, in 1950 presented to the UN secretary general, a mile long scroll signed by one million people in support of the people of Kashmir.
He also played a major role in helping to settle the war between Iran and Iraq.
Awards
Inamullah Khan received several awards for his work. He was awarded the Japanese award in 1987, Niwano Peace Prize and the Templeton Prize for progress in Religion in 1988.
Allegations of antisemitism
The Anti-Defamation League opposed awarding of Templeton Prize to Khan claiming that Khan had supported antisemitism, and that the World Muslim Congress' newsletter had supported antisemitic propaganda such as the Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion and The International Jew. Khan denied being anti-semitic. The ADL also noted Khan's longstanding links to the anti-communist World League for Freedom and Democracy. Khan said he participated in their conferences because "as a religious person, I am opposed to all atheistic creeds."[1] Southern Poverty Law Center says that Khan supports Holocaust denial.[2]
References
- 1 2 New York Times, 19 April 1988, Anti-Semitism Charges Lead To Delay on Religion Prize
- ↑ Martin A. Lee (Spring 2002). "Holocaust Deniers Unite". Southern Poverty Law Center.