About 500 non-Muslims embraced Islam after witnessing a simple, swift funeral of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, said International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) President Dr Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh Monday during a condolence reference held for King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz at IIUI’s new campus.
The reference was attended by the IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai, IIUI President Dr Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh, vice presidents, DGs, dean and directors.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yasinzai paid tribute to the late Saudi King and said that IIUI stands with the Saudi nation in this moment of grief. “All the officers, employees and students of varsity pray for the eternal peace of departed soul,” said Dr Yasinzai.
He said that IIUI organised the funeral prayer in absentia for late Saudi King and condolence reference was also held earlier for King Abdullah while an IIUI delegation also went to the Saudi embassy in Islamabad and condoled Ambassador Jassim M Al-Khalidi.
The IIUI rector said that purpose of today’s reference is to convey the grief and pain of IIUI to the Saudi nation through IIUI president. He also hoped that in the rule of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, relations between Pakistani and Saudi universities would further strengthen.
He said that King Abdullah always advised his ministers and advisors to keep Pakistani nation near to their heart and provided cooperation to Pakistan in hard times.
Dr Al-Draiweesh maintained that everyone is equal in front of God and simple funeral of King Abdullah impressed many people while 500 non-Muslims embraced Islam after observing this simplicity which is the “core attribute” of Islam. He also prayed for King Salman Abdullah saying may Allah give him strength to serve Muslim Ummah as his ancestors did. He also hoped that King Salman would play vital role in bringing back the splendour of Muslim Ummah.
At the end, Dr Al-Draiweesh prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and the prosperity and peace of Ummah.