Syed Abdullah Tariq

Syed Abdullah Tariq (born 1953) is an Indian Islamic scholar, author and philanthropist who established the World Organization of Religions and Knowledge (WORK), an international interfaith organization based in India.

Early life and education Abdullah Tariq was born in 1953 in a Syed family in the city of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. He received a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the Aligarh Muslim University in 1974. and was Usmani's chief disciple for six years (until Usmani's death in 1993).

Career In 1987, Tariq formed the World Organisation of Religions and Knowledge (WORK) under the guidance of Usmani, with Tariq appointed its president. WORK has arranged relief programs such as offering first aid, food, and evacuation services irrespective of communal affiliations. WORK also commemorates Mawlid as Compassion Day every year. An annual medical camp is organized by the NGO in partnership with Hind Bhaichara Samiti, with the presidents of both organisations encouraging social welfare work on that day. He has spoken in various Islamic and interfaith conferences and seminars in India and abroad. He has also been invited as the chief guest to an exhibition held in the Durbar Hall of Rampur Raza Library.

Views India Abdullah suggests that India is the land of the origin of Islam, believing that the first prophet Adam descended there. He refers to the country as Punya Bhoomi which translates to 'Holy Land'.

Publications Tariq's works include: It encourages Muslims to view Sanatan Dharma in a different light In 2020, The Delhi Minorities Commission announced an award for him, for his contributions toward promoting communal harmony.

In 2012, Islamic scholar Syed Shahid Ali Rizvi demanded that Tariq be arrested for belittling the Quran. Tariq dismissed the allegations by clarifying his stance and faith in the Quran.