Doha, Qatar: The Islamic University of Kerala in India has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as an exceptional leader and visionary statesman whose lifelong commitment to education, humanitarian work and nation-building left a lasting impact on Qatar, the Arab and Muslim worlds, and the international community.
The Islamic University of Kerala, India, has issued an official condolence statement mourning the passing of Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, paying tribute to his remarkable legacy of leadership, educational advancement and humanitarian service.
In the statement, the University’s leadership, Board of Trustees, faculty, students and staff extended their heartfelt condolences to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruling Al Thani family, the Government of the State of Qatar and the people of Qatar. The University prayed that Allah Almighty grants the late Father Amir His boundless mercy, the highest ranks in Paradise, and patience and strength to all those mourning his loss.
The University described the late Father Amir as a visionary statesman whose farsighted leadership transformed Qatar into a globally respected nation and a model of comprehensive development. It praised his enduring commitment to economic progress, investment in education and human capital, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of dialogue, peace, justice and international cooperation.
Highlighting his lasting contributions to India, the University noted that the late Father Amir’s generosity extended well beyond Qatar’s borders. It stated that the Islamic University of Kerala was among the institutions that directly benefited from his patronage through the establishment of its Faculty of Shariah, support for Waqf (endowment) initiatives, and sponsorship of salaries for several faculty members. These contributions, it said, significantly strengthened the University’s academic mission and continue to benefit thousands of students from India and other countries.
The statement further emphasized the late Father Amir’s firm belief that investing in people is the foundation of sustainable development. During his reign, scholarships were made available for Indian students to pursue higher education at the Religious Institute and Qatar University.
It also noted that he directed relevant institutions in Qatar, including the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and Qatar University, to extend comprehensive support to the Islamic University of Kerala, enhancing its academic programmes and educational mission.
To honour his memory, the University held Salat al-Janazah (funeral prayer) in absentia and organised a memorial gathering attended by prominent scholars, faculty members, students, alumni and members of the wider community. It also noted that Indian media extensively covered the passing of the Father Amir, recognising his visionary leadership, humanitarian contributions and efforts to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Qatar and India.
The University affirmed that the late Father Amir’s legacy extends far beyond Qatar, describing him as an eminent Islamic and humanitarian figure whose lifelong contributions to education, charitable work, sustainable development and the causes of the Muslim Ummah have inspired generations. It added that his vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to human progress would continue to influence people around the world for years to come.
Concluding its statement, the Islamic University of Kerala said the State of Qatar had lost one of the principal architects of its modern development, while the Arab, Muslim and international community had lost a wise and compassionate statesman dedicated to promoting peace, advancing education, alleviating human suffering and upholding human dignity. The University prayed that Allah Almighty accepts all his righteous deeds, grants him the highest place in Paradise, and continues to bless the State of Qatar, its leadership and its people with lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
