20/05/1945 – 27/05/2007

Ibrahim Saeed was born on May 20, 1945, as the son of K. Sayeed and Bifathima in Mangalore. He obtained his B.Com degree, ranking third in the state in Hindi language. His early education was completed at the Government Urdu Senior Primary School and Kanara High School. Later, he pursued his higher education at Government College, Bandar Kasyegalli, Mangalore.

After completing his B.Com degree, he secured a job at the State Bank of Mysore and worked in various branches. However, upon studying Islam, he became deeply aware of the detrimental effects of usury and chose to resign from his banking job. Subsequently, he joined his elder brother KM Sharif in business and dedicated himself to the study and dissemination of Islam.

Despite not graduating from a formal religious institution, Ibrahim Saeed acquired profound knowledge of Islam through self-effort and perseverance. He possessed a remarkable ability to articulate and present Islamic teachings with clarity and precision.

Ibrahim Sayeed’s contributions extended beyond his business endeavors. He was appointed as the first editor of Sanmarga Weekly, which commenced on April 23, 1978, and he held this position until his passing. As a journalist, author, translator, thinker, and orator, he authored 23 original works, including titles such as Prophet’s Life and Message, Misconceptions, Philosopher, Sahasra Hadith, One Hundred and Eight Thoughts, Manners of Life, Women and Society, Communal Harmony and Character Building, Usury, Future of India and Muslims, and Interfaith Equality. Additionally, he translated 25 works.

Ibrahim Sayeed possessed a remarkable command of Urdu, Kannada, Beary, Malayalam, English, Hindi, and Arabic languages, enabling him to deliver speeches and lectures in Kannada, Urdu, and Beary. He also served as the President of Shanti Prakashana and held prominent positions within the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind organization, including State President for Karnataka and Goa for four years, Mangalore Regional President, Divisional Coordinator, Member of the State Advisory Committee, and Member of the Central Representative Council.

In 1984, Ibrahim Sayeed spearheaded the organization of a communal harmony and character-building week, traveling across the state to emphasize its significance to the people. He also initiated a state-wide “Public Qur’an Discourse” program, further promoting understanding and dialogue.

Challenging traditional norms, Ibrahim Sayeed made history by delivering a khutba (sermon) in Kannada, breaking the long-standing tradition of delivering sermons exclusively in Arabic on Fridays. This bold move paved the way for Kannada-language sermons in mosques across the state.

He played a pivotal role in the production of the “Divya Qur’an,” a Kannada translation of the Qur’an, and contributed as a member of the review committee for a dictionary published by the Karnataka Urdu Academy in 1986.

Ibrahim Sayeed was instrumental in establishing the Muslim Mahila Sahitya Sangh and the Muslim Writers’ Association (Muslim Lekhakara Sangha). He mentored the ‘Anupama Mahila Monthly’ publication. His influential work, ‘Misconceptions,’ has garnered widespread acclaim, with over 30,000 copies sold and translations into 10 languages.

Ibrahim Sayeed’s contributions extended to various platforms and publications. He served as the President of the Religious Friendship Forum and penned the “Balabutti” column in the Prajavani newspaper. Under the pseudonym “Sanmarga,” he authored a column titled “One Hundred and Eight Thoughts,” which was later compiled into a published work.

Despite his significant impact and influence, Ibrahim Sayeed remained modest and refrained from seeking awards or honors. However, he was recognized with the Muslim Authors Association Book Award and the Senior Muslim Literary Award of the Year for his noteworthy literary contributions.

In January 2007, while returning from his second Hajj pilgrimage, Ibrahim Sayeed fell ill. Despite receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer, he accepted his condition with grace, expressing gratitude with the words “Al Hamdulillah.”

Ibrahim Sayeed passed away on May 27, 2007, leaving behind his wife Aisha, as well as four sons and four daughters.