Dubai: Popualr Islamic preacher and renowned scholar Dr. Zakir Naik, who was conferred Islamic Personality of the Year Monday, announced to donate the cash reward of Dh1 million (about 272257.00 US Dollar) to start a Waqf (endowment) fund for Peace TV, a media report said.
"This is the biggest honour I have received in my life. I have decided to donate the cash reward of Dh1 million to start a Waqf (endowment) fund for Peace TV which will help make the television network self-sustained", Khaleej Times quoted Dr Zakir Naik as saying.
The award presented by Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) comes in recognition of his efforts to spread the message of Islam and promote peace at a global level with his initiatives in education, media and philanthropy.
At 47, he has become the youngest recipient of the award and the second Indian to receive the honour after Abu Al Hassan Al Nadawi.
Dr Zakir, who is also a surgeon, is the founder and president of the Islamic Research Foundation. He has written two books on Islam and comparative religion. He is regarded as an exponent of the Salafi ideology.
Dr Naik's real claim to fame is his ability to give impromptu lectures on Islam and comparative religion and quote verbatim verses from religious scripture of all major religions of the world including the Quran and provide convincing answers to trick questions through scientific analysis and logic.
He had earlier announced to start first oversees branch of his Islamic International school in Dubai by 2015.
[Photo Caption: Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured Dr Zakir Naik on Monday ... Courtesy Khaleej Times]
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