50 prominent Indian Muslims invited for Haj by Saudi King

New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) Saudi King Abdullah for the first time invited over 50 prominent Indian Muslims, including religious scholars, politicians and academicans for the Haj.

King Abdullah, who was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day function last year, was keen to give fillip to the bilateral ties in all its spheres and it was in this context he invited prominent Muslim leaders.

Among those invited were Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari, senior Congress leader Wasim Ahmed, former Chief Justice of India Justice Ahmadi, former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Mehdi and religious leaders.

In fact Justice Ahmadi and Mr Wasim Ahmed also got a rare opportunity to interact with King Abdullah briefly at a luncheon meeting, in which two representatives of every country were invited. The King lauded the progress made by India in various spheres, Mr Wasim Ahmed said.

The Indian delegation congratulated the kingdom for making excellent arrangements for this year's Haj, which passed off peacefully.

UNI