Deli: In a landmark religious and cultural event that drew a sea of devotees from across South India and the Gulf, the rebuilt 'Jami'u Habib Usman' Grand Mosque at the sprawling Jamia Sa'adiya campus was formally inaugurated by Indian Grand Mufti Sheikh Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar on September 7. The historic ceremony marked a significant milestone for one of South India's foremost centres of Islamic learning, cultural exchange, and community service.

The newly renovated mosque, an architectural centrepiece of the Jamia Sa'adiya campus, stands as a testament to the institution's decades-long commitment to spiritual, educational, and social upliftment. Named in honour of the philanthropist family that has been closely associated with the institution's growth, the Grand Mosque is expected to serve as a spiritual hub for the thousands of students, scholars, and pilgrims who visit the campus each year.

Delivering the inaugural address, Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar emphasised the vital role of mosques in nurturing not only spiritual devotion but also community cohesion, moral education, and social harmony. He praised the vision behind Jamia Sa'adiya and lauded the sustained efforts of its patrons and well-wishers in bringing the ambitious mosque project to fruition.

Sa'adiya President Sayyid K.S. Attakoya Thangal Kumbol performed the waqf (religious endowment) ceremony, formally dedicating the mosque for public worship in accordance with Islamic tradition. Sayyid Hamid Imbichikoya Al-Bukhari led the special prayers seeking divine blessings for the institution, its patrons, and the wider community.

Sa'adiya Treasurer Kallatra Mahin Haji presented a commemorative memento to the chief guests, while A.P. Abdulla Musliyar Manikoth delivered the keynote address, tracing the history of the mosque and outlining its significance in the spiritual and educational mission of Jamia Sa'adiya.

The event was graced by several prominent public figures. Karnataka Minister U.T. Khader and MLA A.K.M. Ashraf attended as chief guests, along with Muhammad Ali Habib Usman and Habib Ahmad Usman, whose family's generous patronage played a central role in realising the mosque project. In his address, Minister U.T. Khader highlighted the constructive role of religious institutions in promoting communal harmony, quality education, and social welfare, and commended Jamia Sa'adiya for its contributions to the region's cultural and intellectual life.

The inauguration witnessed the presence of an impressive assembly of religious scholars, community elders, philanthropists, and dignitaries from Kerala, Karnataka, and the Gulf countries. Among the notable attendees were Sayyid Ataullah Thangal Udyavaram, Sayyid Ashraf Thangal Adoor, Sayyid P.S. Attakoya Thangal Bahasan Panchikkal, Sayyid Attakoya Thangal Deli, Sayyid Muneerul Ahdal Thangal, Sayyid Abdul Rahman Mashhood Al-Bukhari, Sayyid Junaid Al-Bukhari Mattool, and Sayyid Shafi Thangal Ba'alawi Valapattanam.

The list of eminent religious scholars in attendance included K.K. Hussain Baqavi, K.P. Hussain Sa'adi (KC Road), Muhammad Salih Sa'adi, Kuttasseri Abdulla Baqavi, Abdul Khadir Saqafi Kattippara, Jaleel Saqafi Thrikaripur, Abdul Razak Saqafi Kottakkunnu, Rais Mu'eeni, Ashraf Sa'adi Malloor, Yousuf Sa'adi Bambrana, Hameed Sa'adi Eshwaramangalam, and Abdul Rahman Ahsani.

Prominent community leaders and philanthropists present included Inayat Ali Surathkal, Hakeem Kunnil, P.K. Faisal, Musthafa Sullya, Abdul Rasheed Haji Mangalore, Mahmood Haji Umm Al Quwain, Hameed Eshwaramangalam, Haji Abdulla Hussain Kadavath, Ibrahim Kallatra, Noor Muhammad Qatar, T.M. Shahid, Latheef Haji Sullya, Sayyid K.P.S. Thangal Bekal, Younis Thalankara, Sayyid Alavi Thangal Chettumkuzhi, Shafi Kattakkal, Zubair Padupp, M.A. Abdul Wahab Thrikaripur, Dr. Muhammad Haris Haji, C.P. Ashraf Haji Cherumb, Chithari Abdulla Haji, and M.T.P. Abdul Rahman Haji, among many others.

The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Abdul Gaffar Sa'adi Randathani, while C.P. Abdulla Haji delivered the concluding vote of thanks, extending gratitude to the guests, donors, volunteers, and well-wishers who contributed to the successful completion of the project.

In the afternoon session, a Sauhruda Sangamam (Friendship Meet) was organised at 1 p.m. as part of the inaugural celebrations, reflecting Jamia Sa'adiya's longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and social harmony. The meet was chaired by Vice President Muhammad Ali Saqafi Thrikaripur and inaugurated by MLA K. Neelakandan, who lauded the institution for its exemplary work in promoting communal unity and inclusive development in the region.

International Secretary Hameed Parappa presented the theme of the gathering, focusing on the role of religious institutions in fostering peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among communities of different faiths.

Speakers at the friendship meet included B.S. Abdulla Kunhi Faizi, Kollampadi Abdul Khadir Sa'adi, Hameed Sa'adi Eshwaramangalam, Kareem Thalankara, Press Club President Shiju, Press Club Secretary Pradeep, and C.L. Hameed. The speakers unanimously praised Jamia Sa'adiya's contributions to education, cultural preservation, and community development, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a harmonious society.

Pallankod Abdul Khadir Madani delivered the welcome address for the friendship meet, while Salam Deli proposed the vote of thanks.

Established as a premier Islamic educational institution, Jamia Sa'adiya has, over the years, grown into a multi-faceted campus offering religious education alongside modern academic disciplines. The rebuilt Grand Mosque is expected to further strengthen the campus's spiritual identity while accommodating the growing number of worshippers, students, and visitors.

With its blend of traditional Islamic architecture and modern amenities, the 'Jami'u Habib Usman' Grand Mosque is poised to become a landmark for the region — a place of worship, learning, and reflection that embodies the enduring values of faith, knowledge, and service that Jamia Sa'adiya has championed for decades. The event concluded with prayers for the continued growth of the institution and for peace, prosperity, and unity in the region and beyond.