Wahiduddin Khan, Islamic Scholar
Islamic Scholar

Wahiduddin Khan

Born 1 January 1925 · Uttar Pradesh — Died 21 April 2021

Translated the Quran into contemporary English and wrote a widely acclaimed commentary on it.

Wahiduddin Khan, known with the honorific "Maulana", was an Indian Islamic scholar and peace activist and author known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English. He was listed in "the 500 Most Influential Muslims" of the world. He was also the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality (CPS). In 1993, he asked the Muslims to relinquish claims over Babri Masjid site.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Khan’s Quran translation into contemporary English is praised for simplicity and spiritual depth, making it accessible to modern readers globally.

The Story

1
In 1938, a 13-year-old Wahiduddin Khan began his Islamic education at Madrastaul Islahi in Sarai Mir, Azamgarh, completing his alim course by 1944, shaping his lifelong scholarship.
2
🌟 By 1963, he withdrew from Jamaat-e-Islami after a decade, publishing his critique 'Tabir Ki Ghalti' to challenge its political approach toward Indian Muslims.
3In 1993, amid rising tensions, Khan surprised many by urging Muslims to relinquish claims over the Babri Masjid site, emphasizing peace over confrontation.
4🌐 In 2001, he founded the Centre for Peace and Spirituality (CPS) in New Delhi, aiming to promote Islam’s spiritual message and interfaith harmony globally.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1993, Khan publicly urged Muslims to relinquish claims on the Babri Masjid site, a stance that went against popular sentiment and highlighted his commitment to peace.

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Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Wahiduddin Khan at the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award function in New Delhi (2010)
Wahiduddin Khan at the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award function in New Delhi (2010)
2010
Wahiduddin Khan with members of CPS International at the 2019 Quran Conference

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Badharia, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
Wahiduddin Khan was born into a Pathan landlord family in Badharia village, Azamgarh district, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh (now Uttar Pradesh).
1925
📚
Education
Begins studies at Madrastaul Islahi
At age 13, Khan enrolled at Madrastaul Islahi in Sarai Mir, completing his alim course in six years by 1944.
1938
⚡
Career
Joins Jamaat-e-Islami Central Committee
Khan rose within Jamaat-e-Islami ranks and became a member of its Central Committee, writing regularly for their Urdu journal.
c.1952
⚡
Career
Leaves Jamaat-e-Islami and publishes critique
Due to growing ideological differences, Khan quit Jamaat-e-Islami and published 'Tabir Ki Ghalti' critiquing its political stance.
1963
⚡
Career
Urges Muslims to relinquish Babri Masjid claims
Amid Babri Masjid tensions, Khan called for Muslims to give up claims on the site to promote peace.
1993
🏅
Award
Receives Padma Bhushan
Awarded Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, recognizing his efforts in peace and spirituality.
2000
⚡
Career
Founds Centre for Peace and Spirituality
Khan established CPS International in New Delhi to promote peace and interfaith understanding through Islamic spirituality.
2001
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
Received India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, for his lifelong peace work.
2021
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Delhi due to COVID-19
Died at age 96 in Delhi from complications related to COVID-19.
2021
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He authored over 200 books, including a contemporary English translation and commentary of the Quran, making Islamic texts accessible to modern audiences worldwide.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Khan received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in January 2021, just months before his death, highlighting late recognition of his lifelong peace efforts.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

After the Babri Masjid demolition, Khan marched across Maharashtra with a Jain monk and a Hindu spiritual leader, symbolizing interfaith unity in a tense communal environment.

No quote recorded for Wahiduddin Khan yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Why did the poet Kamala Das convert to Islam ~ By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
More from this archive
Why did the poet Kamala Das convert to Islam ~ By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Why did the poet Kamala Das convert to Islam ~ By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
History of thoughts (Part 1) | Nov 12, 2006 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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History of thoughts (Part 1) | Nov 12, 2006 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
IN CONVERSATION - MAULANA WAHIDUDDIN KHAN
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IN CONVERSATION - MAULANA WAHIDUDDIN KHAN
Belief in the Existence of God | Jan 11, 2009 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Belief in the Existence of God | Jan 11, 2009 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Man & Paradise | Aug 18, 2013 - Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Man & Paradise | Aug 18, 2013 - Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiudddin Khan on Islam | Terrorism | Challenges of Modern India
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Maulana Wahiudddin Khan on Islam | Terrorism | Challenges of Modern India
Manoj Tibrewal Aakash interviewed Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Spiritual Leader for DD News's Ek Mulaqat
07
Manoj Tibrewal Aakash interviewed Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Spiritual Leader for DD News's Ek Mulaqat
Untold Story of Islam | January 28, 2007 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Untold Story of Islam | January 28, 2007 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Biography | Life Story | Urdu/Hindi | ilm Portal
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Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Biography | Life Story | Urdu/Hindi | ilm Portal
Slavery in Islam ~ By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan ll Rediscover Islam
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Slavery in Islam ~ By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan ll Rediscover Islam

🌱 What changed because of them

Wahiduddin Khan reshaped Islamic discourse in India by promoting non-violence and spiritual understanding over political activism, influencing Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike. His founding of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality created a platform for interfaith dialogue that continues to foster communal harmony. His call for relinquishing the Babri Masjid claim marked a notable moment of peace advocacy during a highly volatile period.

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