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DR
ZAKI BADAWI PASSES AWAY
(24 January 2006)
Egyptian-born
scholar Shaykh Dr Zaki Badawi, an indefatigable force in British
Islam for four decades and one of the country's most influential
Muslim personalities, has died. Principal and Founder of The Muslim
College, Chairman of the Imams and Mosques Council of the UK, Founder
of the Muslim Law Council and former Imam and Director of the Islamic
Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque in Regent's Park, Sir
Dr Zaki Badawi was a man of tremendous stature - a respected scholar,
a bridge builder, a consistent and powerful voice of reason and
hope, especially in recent, turbulent times.
A founder,
with Sir Sigmund Sternberg and Rev Dr Marcus Braybrooke, of the
Three Faith Forum, Dr Zaki Badawi was a champion of the universal
values that he believed all peoples and faiths shared, long before
such ecumenism was popular.
Managing
Editor of Muslim magazine 'Q News', Fareena Alam said "You
were always at ease with Dr Zaki Badawi. Even when there was immense
pressure on Muslim communities, particularly in the aftermath of
9/11 and more recently the London bombings, his optimism never flagged.
He had faith in the capacity of British Muslim to give the best
of themselves and their faith to Britain. Never patronising, he
showed a unique respect for young people. He gave hope to countless
women who suffered from gross misinterpretations of Islamic law.
As a respected jurist, his religious counsel was much sought after
for its balance, relevance and practicality."
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