Syed Abdullah Tariq

Syed Abdullah Tariq (Urdu: سید عبداللہ طارق.) (born 1953) is an Indian Muslim Islamic Scholar and author. He is also the founder of an international interfaith organization called World Organization of Religions and Knowledge (WORK). 
== Early life==
Syed Abdullah Tariq was born in 1953 in a Sayyid family in the city of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). He received a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Electrical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University in 1974.
He was heavily influenced by Shams Naved Usmani, an Islamic scholar with deep knowledge of Hindu Scriptures who he met in 1987. Abdullah was Usmāni's chief disciple for six years until his demise. 
== World Organisation of Religions & Knowledge (WORK) ==
In 1987, under the guidance of Shams Naved Usmani, the organization World Organisation of Religions & Knowledge (WORK) was formed. Syed Abdullah Tariq was assigned as the lifetime President of this organization.
The organization promotes the unity of mankind by delivering the message of peace and harmony among people. Their core values include peace, unity, service, knowledge and collaborative effort. The organization’s relief efforts includes activities like offering first aid, food, and evacuation services irrespective of communal affiliations. 
This organization was actively involved in earthquake relief activities in Gujarat and Kashmir in 2001 and 2005 respectively. They also assisted people during the 2002 Gujarat riots|2002 riots of Gujarat. In 2020, WORK volunteers undertook social work to help the economically challenged survive during the lockdown. They even co-organized a peace procession with HWPL in Rampur in 2018. 
== Views ==
=== India ===
Abdullah suggests that India is the land of the origin of Islam as the first prophet Adam in Islam|Adam descended there. He refers to the country as ‘Punya Bhoomi’ which translates to Holy Land. He also maintains that interfaith dialogue between Hindus and Muslims is crucial to uphold peace in India.
=== Babri Masjid Dispute ===
In 1988 Syed Abdullah Tariq wrote an article for ‘Akhbar-e-Nau’ that discouraged the Muslim community from aggravating the Babri Masjid dispute. He used the Quran and Sunnah to outline principles that instructed the community to refrain from taking the issue to the level of a clash. He maintains that the issue has worsened because of the stance of the Muslim leadership. In 2018, he publicly supported Salman Husaini Nadwi|Salman Hussain Nadvi’s stance on the dispute.
== Notable Activity ==
=== Sarva Dharma Samvad Manch ===
He created a platform for interfaith dialogue which, in 2020, condemned attacks on a Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib.
=== Milad-un-Nabi Commemoration as Compassion Day ===
WORK also commemorates Milad-un-Nabi as ‘Compassion Day’ every year.
A medical camp is organized annually by the NGO in partnership with Hind Bhaichara Samiti. Hind Bhaichara Samiti president ‘Dhananjay Pathak’ encourages people to participate in this social welfare program. Syed Abdullah Tariq stated that communities should celebrate this day by taking up social welfare work.
=== Public Speaking ===
Abdullah has spoken in various Islamic and interfaith conferences and seminars in India and abroad. He has also been invited as the chief guest to an exhibition held in the Durbar Hall of Rampur Raza Library.
== Publications ==
Syed Abdullah Tariq has a number of publications to his credit like Agar Ab Bhi Na Jaage Toh,, Ekta Ka Aadhar, Gujarat Ke Baad Haalat Aur Hal and Yug Parivartan – Islamic Drishtikon.
Agar Ab Bhi Na Jaage Toh (Now or Never) illustrated the ideas of Shams Naved Usmani which have been explained and elucidated by Syed Abdullah Tariq. It encourages Muslims to view Sanatan Dharma in a different light. It asserts that Hindus are the descendants of the people of Noah.
== Controversy ==
In 2012, the Qazi-e-Sharia and district Mufti Syed Shahid Ali Rizvi demanded for the arrest of Abdullah Tariq for belittling the Quran. Abdullah dismissed the allegations by clarifying his stance and unwavering faith on the Quran.
== Recognition ==
Ramkinkar Award conferred by Ramayanam Trust Ayodhya in 1992 for his services to humanity.
The Delhi Minorities Commission announced an Award for Syed Abdullah Tariq in 2020 for the role he plays in communal harmony.
==In the media==
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Category:1953 births
Category:Islamic scholars
Category:Muslim writers
Category:People from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh