His Excellency Prof. Dr Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the Academy, participated in the memorial ceremony held in honour of the late Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam, may God have mercy on him, on Saturday, 22 Dhul-Qa‘dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 9 May 2026, via Zoom.

Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam, may God have mercy on him, was regarded as one of the most prominent Muslim thinkers and scholars in India. He founded and chaired the Institute of Objective Studies, dedicating his efforts to social justice, minority rights, the intellectual reconstruction of the Muslim ummah, and equitable development. He also worked to integrate classical Islamic intellectual heritage with modern social sciences. He was widely recognised for his pioneering role in defending minority rights and enriching intellectual discourse on citizenship and cultural engagement.

In his speech at the ceremony, His Excellency noted that his acquaintance with the late scholar dates back to the 1990s, when he was residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He described him as “a nation in one man, and a man in a nation,” in recognition of his devotion, sincerity, and sacrifice in serving the causes of the ummah and his continuous engagement with scholars and thinkers around the world, particularly in the fields of globalisation, knowledge production, and moderation.

His Excellency also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and students of the late scholar, both in India and abroad, affirming that Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam left behind a rich intellectual and scholarly legacy worthy of preservation and revival for future generations. He further noted that the Institute of Objective Studies had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, given the alignment of goals and visions between the two institutions, expressing his confidence in the continuation of this scholarly and intellectual partnership.

At the conclusion of his remarks, His Excellency prayed for the late scholar, asking God Almighty to envelop him in His vast mercy and raise him to the highest ranks of Paradise.

The memorial ceremony was attended by a number of scholars, researchers, decision-makers, and members of the late scholar’s family. The memorial was attended via Zoom by His Excellency Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Director of the Department of Planning, Development, International Cooperation and Archives at the Academy.