Maulana Mahmood Khan, 87, former president of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami Hind-Karnataka & Goa’ (JIH) passed away at his native place Gulbarga on Dec 03. Maulana served JIH in various capacities including Ameer-e-Halqa of state during 1984 to 1990 and member of central advisory committee.

Maulana born in Narsapur village of Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh. While serving in the Forest department, he settled in Gulbarga. Since the inception of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind in 1948 he was actively associated with it.

JIH Karnataka president Muhammad Abdullah Javed condoled his sad demise and prayed for Allah’s Blessings in his hereafter. He praised for his valuable contributions to the Islamic movement. He also prayed for the patience and well being of his family members.

After the 1983 Muslim massacre in Assam Maulana Mahmood Khan came in the forefront and took charge of the relief work. Apart from rehabilitating affected people he was instrumental in instilling confidence among the psychologically torn apart Muslims and establishing peaceful ties with non-Muslims. During his stewardship he established Islamia Arabic College Mansoora in Hassan, launched the Kannada weeklySANMARGA and established a Kannada publication house.

During unrest over a derogatory publication in Bangalore daily Deccan Herald about the Prophet Muhammad (S) in 1986, Maulana led the efforts in controlling people’s passion and calming them down. He took in confidence Ulama from all sects and formed ‘Majlis-ul-Ulama’ and also formed Muslims organizations confederation ‘Karnataka Muslim Council’.

Maulana is survived by a wife, eight sons and three daughters.