Kuala Lumpur: Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar was conferred with Hijra Award, the highest civilian award issued to Muslim scholars in Malaysia. The award was handed over to Kanthapuram by Malaysian King Al Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah in an event held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. 

The Hijra Award has been given by the Malaysian government to Muslim scholars since 2008 in recognition of their efforts to advance world harmony and peace. 

In a statement, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia said Kanthapuram received the honour for his work promoting Islam, both domestically and internationally, and fostering religious harmony. 

In response, Kanthapuram said he was grateful for the recognition and will diversify his efforts.