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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