Makkah, November 26, 2024 – Dr. Abdullah Mustafa, a renowned Muslim scholar from Thailand, expressed profound gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its transformative role in shaping his personal and professional life. As a guest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visitation, Dr. Abdullah shared his inspiring journey, detailing the pivotal influence of Saudi scholarships on his academic and spiritual growth.
Fifty years ago, a young Abdullah Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, where he received a scholarship to study at the esteemed Islamic University of Madinah. Reflecting on his early days in the Kingdom, Abdullah fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet's Mosque, which, at the time, stood in stark contrast to the magnificent and expansive religious landmark it has become today. His scholarship experience not only opened doors for his academic pursuits but also deepened his spiritual connection to Islam and the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah.
During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdullah dedicated himself to Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His research focused primarily on understanding Buddhism, the dominant religion in Thailand, and devising effective strategies for Islamic outreach. This academic foundation enabled him to bridge cultural and religious gaps, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Muslims and the broader Thai society.
Upon returning to Thailand, Dr. Abdullah committed his life to Islamic advocacy, striving to spread the message of Islam across his home country. One of his most notable achievements was translating the meanings of the Holy Quran into the Thai language, an endeavor that made the sacred text accessible to a much wider audience and strengthened the spiritual ties within Thailand’s Muslim community. His tireless efforts led to numerous conversions and a thriving Muslim population, positioning him as a key figure in the country's Islamic landscape.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullah emphasized the far-reaching impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide, highlighting not only the Kingdom's scholarship programs but also its initiatives in constructing mosques, distributing copies of the Holy Quran, and providing humanitarian aid. He noted the esteemed position held by Saudi university graduates in various fields, including education, Islamic jurisprudence, and interfaith dialogue, praising the Kingdom’s commitment to cultivating scholars who serve Islam with dedication and wisdom.
Looking ahead, Dr. Abdullah shared his hopes for his daughter, who is currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah. He expressed pride in her academic journey and hope that she would continue the family legacy of serving Islam through scholarly endeavors. He also acknowledged the Kingdom's progressive approach to education, particularly in empowering women scholars to play a pivotal role in Islamic advocacy and community leadership.
Dr. Abdullah concluded his heartfelt message of gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims worldwide. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance for its ongoing efforts in promoting moderate Islam and fostering global Islamic unity. Through these initiatives, Dr. Abdullah believes that Saudi Arabia will continue to be a beacon of knowledge, compassion, and leadership for the Muslim ummah for generations to come.