Board of Directors
Board of Directors at HOMA-Civilizational Dialogue and Harmony Foundation
Prof. Hamidullah Marazi
President
Prof. Hamidullah Marazi (Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi) is a prominent and internationally reputed scholar specialized in Islamic studies, philosophy and interfaith dialogue. With a PhD on “The Philosophy of Al-Ghazzali and its Impact on Western Philosophers,” Prof. Marazi has specialized in Comparative Religions, Dialogue, Qur’anic Studies, Sufism, Ethics, and Orientalism, and he has significantly contributed to the study of Islam.
He is a well-known author who has written more than 60 books on various topics such as Islamic philosophy, epistemology, interfaith dialogue, and the role of Islam in the development of civilization, sciences, and technology. He is an expert in Al-Ghazzali and Nursian thought and is a regular keynote speaker on these topics internationally. His current work on an Encyclopaedic Tafsir of the Quran is evidence of his dedication to the development of the Islamic sciences and enhancing knowledge about Islam.
During his academic career, Prof. Marazi has served in many dignified academic capacities such as the Director of the Shah-i-Hamadan Institute at the University of Kashmir, Head of the Department of Religious Studies, Dean for the School of Social Sciences Central University of Kashmir, etc. He is also a Visiting Researcher at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM), Malaysia, and the founding editor of Insight Islamicus, an internationally recognized journal in Islamic studies. With deep subject knowledge in civilizational dialogue, Prof. Marazi is also serving as the President of HOMA-Civilizational Dialogue and Harmony Foundation in Kashmir, India, and he works towards fostering interfaith harmony.
Dr Naseem Gul
Vice-President
Dr Naseem Gul is a distinguished academic and Islamic scholar, currently serving as Assistant Professor and Coordinator at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir. He holds a master’s in philosophy, MA in Islamic Studies from the University of Kashmir, and a PhD in Islamic Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
His areas of expertise encompass Interfaith and Intra-faith Dialogue, Religious Studies, Islamic Theology (Ilm al-Kalam), Muslim Philosophy, Hadith Sciences, and the modern Muslim world.
Dr Gul has contributed extensively to Islamic scholarship through his research and publications, particularly in fostering cross-religious and philosophical dialogues. His academic work is known for its depth and commitment to promoting mutual understanding between diverse religious traditions.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Dr Gul plays a key role in the academic and administrative coordination of programs at BGSBU, where he supports the development of a vibrant intellectual community. His dedication to both education and Islamic thought reflects his profound commitment to addressing contemporary challenges faced by Muslim societies globally.
Dr Fareed Ahmad Malik
Secretary-General
Dr Fareed Ahmad Malik is a scholar and philanthropist with a PhD in Islamic Civilization and Contemporary Issues from the University of Brunei Darussalam. Throughout his research endeavour, he was blessed to be under the direct supervision of the prominent scholars like Professor Datuk Dr Osman Bakar who is globally acclaimed in Islamic civilization, dialogue and the contemporary world affairs. His academic endeavours have been characterized by inter-disciplinary thematic areas that include Islamic civilizational studies, Religio-cultural diversity, co-existence and globalization. Dr Fareed has contributed to various research works that are of great impact. His areas of specialization include Islamic Civilizational Studies, globalization, multiculturalism, and inter-disciplinary integration of Islamic studies and modern sciences. As a philanthropist, Dr Fareed is serving as a secretary general for the HOMA-Civilizational Dialogue and Harmony Foundation (HCDHF), which is a state-approved not-for-profit organization based in Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Advocate Owaise Reyaz
Legal Advisor
Advocate Owaise Reyaz is a prominent legal professional based in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. With his firm, Owaise Reyaz & Associates, he has garnered a reputation for providing expert legal counsel across various sectors. Known for his strong advocacy skills and in-depth understanding of legal frameworks, Advocate Owaise Reyaz specializes in corporate and commercial law.
In addition to his legal practice, he is actively engaged in philanthropic activities, particularly focusing on the welfare of marginalized communities in Kashmir. Through his work with various legal and non-governmental organizations, he has contributed to social justice initiatives and provided legal support to those in need, aiming to promote access to justice and equity in society. His commitment to both his profession and humanitarian causes makes him a respected figure in the legal and social sectors.
Mr. Farooq Ahmad Ashai
Treasurer
Mr. Farooq Ahmad Ashai is a distinguished businessperson and philanthropist with a strong commitment to social welfare through his involvement in various social welfare and environmental sustainability activities. He currently holds the position of Managing Director at Green Scan Consultants, a leading firm specializing in environmental, educational, and sustainable development consulting, based in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in India. He also serves as Managing Director of SABZAR Nurseries in Budgam Chadoora, contributing to environmental sustainability and agricultural innovation in the region.
Mr. Ashai has had an impactful career in the financial sector as well, having served as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Enforcement Officer at Jammu and Kashmir Bank, where he played a key role in managing corporate communications and ensuring regulatory compliance. His multifaceted career reflects his dedication to both the business sector and community development, underlined by his philanthropic efforts to uplift societal, educational, and environmental arenas in the Valley.
Ms Safiyyah Sabreen
Secretary Media and Publicity
Ms Safiyyah Sabreen is a prominent Islamic philosopher, researcher, and mechanical engineer with a unique focus on the field of Islam and Science. She holds a master’s in philosophy and is currently pursuing a PhD, where her research delves into Quantu m Physics, Consciousness and the Fine-Tuned universe from the Islamic perspective.
Safiyyah is the Director of the Second Golden Age, a groundbreaking multimedia project that revisits the Muslim scientific revolution inspired by the Quran and explores ways to inspire a contemporary revival. Her work extends into media production, having collaborated with a UAE-based media house to produce a documentary on the Islamic Golden Age, showcasing how Muslim scholars transformed global history. Her scholarly interests include Islamic Eschatology (‘Ilm al-Akhiruzzaman), Islamic Science, and the relationship between faith and modern scientific paradigms. Safiyyah’s influence spans producing online courses, writing on cutting-edge topics in Islam and science, and contributing to the broader discourse on Islamic civilization’s contributions to global knowledge.