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Renowned Islamic scholar and Padma Vibhushan awardee Maulana Wahiduddin Khan passed away due to Covid-19  on Wednesday late night. 

He was 96 and was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi on 12 April after he tested positive for Covid-19.

His son Zafarul Islam Khan and former chairman of Delhi Minority Commission announced his father's death. "The great Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan breathed his last, late this evening. Doctors failed to revive his sinking heart. Pray for his maghfirat and high station in Paradise," his tweet read.

Born in Azamgarh in 1925, he came from a family that shared the legacy of having played a key role in 1857 struggle for independence. 

He penned over 200 books, including a commentary and a translation of the Quran in English, Hindi and Urdu. He also started a monthly magazine called Al-Risala, which was circulated in both English and Hindi.

He established the Islamic Centre in New Delhi in 1970 for the promotion of peaceful coexistence, social harmony and interfaith dialogue.

Wahiduddin Khan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan this year for his exceptional contribution in the field of spirituality. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000.