Grand Mufti Ahmad who helped halt Kerala nurse’s execution meets PM Modi

During the meeting, the two exchanged views on a wide range of issues. The Prime Minister noted the Grand Mufti’s commendable efforts to further social harmony, brotherhood and improve education across the country.

In a post on X, Modi said: “Had a very good interaction with Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, the Grand Mufti of India. We exchanged views on a wide range of issues. His efforts to further social harmony, brotherhood and improve education are noteworthy.”

Ahmad, born in Kozhikode of Kerala, is the general secretary of All India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama and a high it respected Muslim scholar. He rose to prominence when he welcomed the 2019 Ram Janmabhoomi verdict of the Supreme Court and appealed to Muslims to honour it.

Of late, Ahmad played a crucial role in halting the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen. His last minute intervention through engagements with the Yemen clerics in touch with the family of Talal Mahdi, Priya was accused of murdering in 2017.

Abubakr had also opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act and met the PM and the Home Minister to urge amendments.

The meeting between Abubakr and PM on the Kerala poll eve is being seen as significant.