Maulana Hameeduddin Aqil Hussami

I read the obituary of Maulana Hameeduddin Aqil Hussami (Radiance, 21-27 March 2010). He was one of the top Indian Muslims who worked for the betterment of humanity.  He was a very good orator and a very good communicator. I remember his speech which he made at the Islamic Society of Orange County located in the city of Garden Grove, Southern California, during his visit to the US in late 1980s. He also had a very good sense of humour. As he started to speak, he apologised for coming a few minutes late to the Garden Grove Masjid and said with smile, “I am coming directly from Las Vegas after attending the inauguration programme of an Islamic Centre, so please do not be mistaken.” The Maulana clarified it because the city Las Vegas is called the sin city of America. It is the top gambling place of the world. He spoke about Islamic values, family values, universal message and good life. While speaking on family values, he talked about children and birth control.