Prominent Indian Scholar Missing After Deadly Hajj Stampede

A prominent Indian Islamic scholar, who was to perform Hajj, is missing since the deadly stampede in Mina.

Muslim pilgrims make their way to cast stones at a pillar symbolising the stoning of Satan in a ritual called “Jamarat”. (Photo: PTI)

A prominent Indian Islamic scholar, who was to perform Hajj, has been missing since the deadly stampede in Mina, the worst incident in 25 years to strike the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, resulting in the loss of at least 45 Indians.

Mufti Mohammed Farooq has been missing after the stampede which killed at least 769 pilgrims from different countries, the Arab News reported.

Farooq, a senior religious scholar, is a prolific writer and has authored over 50 books on a range of subjects, including Hadith and Fiqh, in Urdu and Hindi, reports said.

He has been missing for several days and his family in India and many of his students and well-wishers from across the world, including in South Africa, the UK, Canada and the US, are extremely worried and anxious about his well being.
— Mufti Javed Iqbal, Imam, Mosque in Birmingham, UK

Farooq is the founder and principal of Jamia Mahmoodia in Meerut which has been running for over 25 years and has over 700 students.

“We are fervently praying for his safe return and calling on anyone who may know of where he is to contact the following Saudi number at the earliest 0500150039,” Mufti said.

Hundreds of pilgrims, including those from Pakistan and Iran, are still missing after the tragedy.