Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas: Activist, Community leader

Dr.Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas is the official spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a leading umbrella organization advocating for the protection and promotion of Muslim personal laws and religious freedoms in India. Known for his articulate communication skills and deep understanding of socio-political issues, he has emerged as a prominent voice for the Muslim community in the country.

Born in 1955 in a family with a strong intellectual and socio-religious background, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas pursued his education in science and journalism. He is widely regarded for his nuanced perspectives on contemporary challenges facing Indian Muslims. Over the years, he has been an active participant in various initiatives to safeguard the constitutional rights of minorities, emphasizing the importance of unity, dialogue, and democratic engagement.

As the spokesperson of AIMPLB, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas has played a critical role in presenting the Board’s stance on pivotal issues such as the triple talaq legislation, the Uniform Civil Code, and masjid-mandir disputes. His ability to articulate the Muslim community’s concerns and aspirations on national platforms has earned him respect across ideological spectrums.

Beyond his role in AIMPLB, he has been actively involved in various socio-political and educational initiatives. He is a founding member of the Welfare Party of India and has consistently advocated for justice, equality, and communal harmony.

Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas combines his deep-rooted Islamic scholarship with a pragmatic approach to addressing modern challenges. His balanced and well-reasoned views make him a key figure in fostering understanding between communities while advocating for the rights and dignity of the Muslim populace in India.

Islam Khan: Journalist, Author/Community Leader

Dr Zafar ul Islam Khan (born1948) is a prominent Indian author and journalist known for his advocacy for the Muslim community. He serves as the editor and publisher of The Milli Gazette, a fortnightly focused on issues relevant to Muslims, and is the founder and chairman of Charity Alliance, an organization dedicated to relief and welfare work in India.

Khan's educational journey began at Madrasa-tul-Islah and Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, followed by studies at Al-Azhar and Cairo University from 1966 to 1973. He earned a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Manchester in 1987. His career spans several decades, including roles with the Libyan Foreign Ministry and the London-based Muslim Institute, where he managed a news service and publications. He has authored and translated over 50 books and written articles for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.

Khan was elected president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, the umbrella body for Muslim organizations in India, for multiple terms. In July 2017, he was appointed Chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, where he formed a fact-finding committee in response to the 2020 Delhi riots.

In October 2023, he released "The Glorious Quran," a translation of the holy text. However, Khan faced controversy following a Facebook post in April 2020 asserting that Muslims were subject to hate campaigns and violence. He was subsequently charged with sedition under the Indian Penal Code. The resultant petitions against him were dismissed in court. Khan's contributions and viewpoints have sparked discussions on minority rights, social justice, and the role of the Muslim community in India.

Zahir Ishaq Kazi: Community leader/ Educationist

Dr. Zahir Ishaq Kazi (born1954) is a prominent figure in education, literature, and medicine, serving as the President of Anjuman-I-Islam, the largest educational conglomerate catering to minorities in India, founded in 1874. He earned his MBBS from Goa Medical College and pursued advanced medical training in Radiology, with fellowships at prestigious institutions in the U.S. Dr. Kazi's extensive medical career includes significant roles in renowned hospitals in Mumbai and an international assignment at King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

His association with Anjuman-I-Islam spans over 30 years, where he has held various leadership positions, ultimately becoming its president for the last 15 years. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced substantial growth, introducing new institutions and programs while ensuring accreditation and financial stability. Notably, Dr. Kazi championed women's empowerment by appointing over 85% of women as heads of institutions and transforming orphanages into compliant and graded homes for women.

Dr. Kazi's impact extends beyond education into governance, where he has served on multiple committees in Maharashtra and Goa, influenced national education policy as Chair of the National Monitoring Committee of Minority Education, and held significant roles in the Government of India. He also supports various educational trusts and has served as a Senate member at the University of Mumbai.

His contributions have been recognized through numerous national and international awards, including the “Life Time Achievement Award” from the Ministry of AYUSH and the Sir Syed Excellence National Award from Aligarh Muslim University. Dr. Kazi's visionary leadership has solidified Anjuman-I-Islam's status as a leading institution at both national and international levels.