The end of the 14th Hijra, was significant event which was celebrated all over the world by the Muslims. India being the second most populous country in terms of muslim population, also took an active part in the centenary celebrations. Keeping in mind the importance of the event, the Govt. of India set up a committee under the Chairmanship of Justice Mr. M. Hidayatullah, the then Vice-President of India, to organize the celebrations. The Hijra Era celebrations committee did a commendable job & organized many functions, highlighting the importance of event. Some of these events included:

    (1) The then Prime Minister of India of Smt. Indira Gandhi released A postal stamp on 3rd November 1980 commemorating the event.


    (3) An International Seminar on “Islamic Contribution to the Culture and Civilization of the World, with Special reference to India” was organized in January 1981 at New Delhi.

    (4) An International Qiraat competition and several other functions were organized. It was during the Centenary Celebration, that the idea to set up an India Islamic Cultural Centre in the capital city, New Delhi, was conceived. To translate this dream cause into reality, many renowned personalities of India including some of the prominent old boys of Aligarh Muslim University, played a major role.

Finally the IICC a ‘Society' was registered in April 1981.

Original signatories to the Memorandum of Association of the Society, i.e. India Islamic Cultural Centre were:

    (1) Janab Hakim Abdul Hameed - As the first President
    (2) Mufti Atiqur Rahman - Vice President
    (3) Mr Badr-ud-Din Tyabji, ICS - Director
    (4) Mr Syed S. Shafi - Joint Director
    (5) Chaudhary Mohd. Arif - Secretary
    (6) Mr M. W. K. Yusufzai - Treasurer
    (7) Begum Abida Ahmed - Member

As a good gesture, the Government of India allotted a prime piece of land amounting to approx. 8000 meters to IICC at Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

At the behest of Hakim Abdul Hameed, of Hamdard fame, the Institute of Islamic Studies donated Rs. 10,50,00/- towards the cost of land and the Late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi got Rs. 10 lacs (one million) towards building fund granted by the Department of Culture, Government of India.

The possession of the land was given to IICC after demolishing the old structure. The construction of IICC building started in January 1996, after Building Plans were approved by New Delhi Municipal Council.

Smt. Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India was so much impressed by the idea to create such an institution, which could promote understanding amongst people of different religious groups and help the cause of national integration. The picture shows Mrs. Indira Gandhi laying the foundations stone of India Islamic Cultural Centre on 24th August,1984. A new Board of Trustee was elected in 1994 under the chairmanship of Begum Abida Ahmad. Mr Mohd. Fazal, then Member, Planning Commission became the first Director General of the Centre. Later, Mr Moosa Raza, former Secretary to the Govt. of India, was appointed as the Director General of the Center.

For the purpose of receiving donations from Indian and foreign donors, the sanction under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 and registration under 80G (5) (VI) of Income Tax Act 1961 were obtained.

The end of the 14th Century of hijrah and the beginning of the 15th Century is of vital significance to Muslims all over the world as it is an occasion for renewal of their profound commitment to the fundamental beliefs principles and concept of Islam.

India being the second most populous country in the world with a large Muslim population decided to partake in the Hijirah Era Centenary celebrations. Hence the Government of India set up a committee under the chairmanship of Janab Justice M. Hidayatullah the then Vice-president of India to organize the celebrations. The Hijrah Era celebration committee did a commendable job. Commemorating this auspicious occasion the then prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi released the stamp on 3rd NOV. 1980. An International Seminar on “Islamic contribution to the culture and civilization of the world with special reference to India “, was organized in January 1981. A film projecting the rich Islamic heritage of India was also produced in the centenary year and mat:ty- other events including an International Qiraat competition were organized.”

It was during the centenary celebration the idea to set up an India Islamic Cultural Centre in the Capital City, Delhi was conceived. To translate this noble cause into reality, boys of AMU played a great role.

Hakeem Abdul Hameed Sb, the first president Mufti Atique ur Rahman, Badaruddin Tayyabji Begum Abida Ahmed, Sayed S. Shafi S. Ausaf Ali and Chaudhary Mohd. Arif were the first signatories on the memorandum for the registration in April 1981.

As a good gesture, the Government of India allotted a prime piece of land to IICC at Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. The Indian Institute of Islamic Studies, at the behest of Hakeem Abdul Hameed Sb, donated Rs 10, 50,000/- towards the cost of land and 10,00,000 /- towards Bulding Fund was granted by the Department of Culture , Government of India.

Smt. Indira Gandhi was impressed by the idea to create such an Institution which could promote understanding amongst people of different religions and help the cause of National Integration . She was pleased to lay the foundations stone of this noble Institution on 24th August 1984.

Following the spirit of Smt. Indra Gandhi Smt. Sonia Gandhi, president, Indian National Congress & Chairperson UPA was pleased to inaugurate the IICC on Monday, June 12th 2006.