The Legacy of Allama Syed Zameer Akhtar Naqvi

Allama Syed Zameer Akhtar Naqvi was a prominent and distinguished Pakistani Islamic scholar, a religious leader, public speaker and poet from the ‘Shia’ sect of Islam who holds the prestigious position among other religious scholars.

With his unusual powers of persuasion, luminous exposition, searching arguments, and sound judgment, he was able to win the hearts of people having a clear position on religious harmony.

Early life-Education

Naqvi was born in 1944 in the Indian city of Lucknow where he studied until graduation, later moving to Pakistan in 1967.

He had a PhD from the University of Karachi and was known to have knowledge of science, philosophy, literature, culture, journalism and Islamic history.

He also remained the editor of the Al Kalam magazine besides heading the Anees Academy. His birth name was Zameer Hasan. In 1967, he migrated to Pakistan and permanently settled in Karachi.

Extraordinary speaker

He was an outstanding speaker on different themes of Islam for many decades. He had delivered speeches all over the world on Islamic themes particularly with the reference of the Ahl al-Bayt (Household) of Muhammad (PBUH).

Along with being an extraordinary speaker, Allama Syed Zameer Akhtar Naqvi was a prolific writer, philosopher and poet as well. He successfully relates Islamic ideas with modern political and philosophical thought.

The promoter of Shia Sunni unity

Allama Syed Zameer Akhtar Naqvi supported ethnic and sectarian harmony his sermons used to be composed on the observance of Allah’s orders, pursuing the way of Prophet Muhammad and love and respect for Ahlybait.

He was also a promoter of Shia Sunni unity in Pakistan. He was always considered as a symbol of cross-sect unity in the Muslims and his lectures are famous amongst all the sects of Muslims.

People including men, women and youths love him and look him as one of the most respected moderate religious scholars in the country.

He had always condemned terrorism and violence in his speeches. A message of love and unity can be found in his speeches always.

Naqvi was of the view that in order to ensure peace and stability in the country, it is the responsibility of the state and the government to impose Islamic laws to avoid extreme cruelty and crime.

Writer, poet and philosopher of his ear

Akhtar was an author on more than 300 books in various fields, including literature, culture, religion, philosophy, logic, journalism, sociology, science, oratory, and language.

He wrote several books, including Josh Malih-Abadi’s Marthiyah (1980) A collection of Josh Malih-Abadi’s Marthiyah with a full glossary.

Urdu Marthiyah in Pakistan (1982) the history of Marsiya in Pakistan from 1947 to 1977. Urdu “Ghazal” about Karbala (1988) The travel of Urdu Ghazal (a form of Urdu poetry) from Iran to India; the meaning and interpretation of Ghazal; some ghazal’s about Karbala also included.

Urdu poetry in praise of Imam Ali (a.s) (1993) Religious literary and knowledgeable volume; Arabic, Persian, and Urdu examples of poetry by highly respectable poets in praise of Hazrat Ali (a.s.)

The poets in the family of Mir Anis (1996) The life history of 22 family members of Mir Anis that were poets and their poetry.

His latest books, including History of ‘Shite (2011). The Great Work of Moula Ali (A.S) for Islam (2011). The greatness of Hazrat Abu Talib(A.S) (2011). Awareness of the Quran (2011). Knowledge Is Life (2011). The End OF Killers of Imam Hussain(A.S) (2011).

Awards

In 1980, on the compilation of the book ‘Josh Malih-Abadi’s Marthiyah’, Mir Anees Award was awarded. In 1999, Commonwealth award, London by Anjuman-e-Farogh-e-Aza.

Died at the age of 76

Allama Zameer Akhtar Naqvi passed away on Sunday from a heart attack, his relatives said. He was 76 years old.

He was taken to the Aga Khan University Hospital late Saturday night where he died due to a heart attack, according to his relatives.

Condolences

Condolences started pouring in as soon as the news of the scholar’s demise broke. Several politicians were also among those who expressed grief.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed his condolences. He said he was deeply saddened to hear the news of Allama Zameer Akhtar’s demise, adding that the country has been robbed of a great religious scholar.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Governor Sindh Imran Ismail also expressed their condolences and prayed for his forgiveness.

PSP Chairman Mustafa Kamal also expressed grief over the death of the renowned scholar. He said, “The services of Allama Syed Zameer Naqvi will always be remembered.

Social media grieved over the demise

Allama Syed Zameer Akhtar Naqvi was a great influencer on social media networking. He was also criticized by a certain section on social media and he repeatedly expressed concern over the issue and termed all the criticism as a cause of his heartache.

An amazing aspect of the human psyche is that as long as a person lives among us, we do not value him, and when he leaves this mortal world, his virtues become clear to us. News of the scholar’s demise broke Social media mourned and expressed deep condolences.