30/09/2026
12th Death Anniversary of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) Observed with Religious and Commemorative Programmes
Srinagar, September 30, 2026: The 12th death anniversary of renowned Islamic scholar, political leader and community figure Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) was observed across Jammu and Kashmir with Quran Khwani, Fatiha Khwani, Marsiya Khwani and Majalis. Religious scholars, Zakireen, community members and people from different walks of life participated in the programmes and paid tribute to his religious, social and public services.
As part of the commemorative programmes, Quran Khwani was held across 97 Madrasas associated with the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association for Isale-e-Sawaab of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA). Special Quran Khwani and prayers were also held in Najaf-e-Ashraf, Iraq, and Qom, Iran, in remembrance of the late scholar.
In the morning, Quran Khwani, Fatiha Khwani and Marsiya Khwani were held at the shrine of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) at Baba Mazaar, Zadibal. Religious scholars and Zakireen associated with the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association participated in the proceedings and offered prayers for the departed soul.
The commemorative programme subsequently continued at Imam Bargah Shadipora, Sumbal, where a series of Majalis were held. The first Majlis was delivered by Maulana Mirza Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board. Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Mirza Yasoob Abbas recalled the close association between his father, the late Maulana Mirza Mohammad Athar, and Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA), stating that the two had studied together in Lucknow.
Recalling his own interactions with Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) from his younger days, Maulana Mirza Yasoob Abbas said he had long wished to speak about his life and personality and considered it an honour to do so on his 12th death anniversary. He also spoke about the life, teachings and position of Imam Ali (AS), emphasising the principles of justice, knowledge, courage and service to humanity associated with the life of Amir-ul-Momineen Imam Ali (AS).
Hujjatul Islam Maulana Syed Ahmed Ali Abidi, Representative of Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani in India and Imam-e-Juma of the main mosque in Mumbai, also delivered a Majlis.
During his address, Hujjatul Islam Maulana Syed Ahmed Ali Abidi conveyed a message from Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani, stressing the importance of education within the Shia community. He said the community should strive to educate its children and youth to a level where Shia Muslims become among the most educated communities in India.
Highlighting the importance of education in Islam, he recalled that the first revealed word of the Holy Qur’an was “Iqra” (Read), underscoring the importance of knowledge and learning in Islamic teachings. He also spoke about the responsibilities of the followers of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and the need to preserve faith, acquire knowledge and serve society.
The 12th death anniversary was also marked by tributes from political, religious and social leaders from across Jammu and Kashmir. Hoardings commemorating the life and legacy of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) were installed at various locations across Srinagar, while newspapers and news organisations published articles and tributes recalling his contribution to the religious and social life of Jammu and Kashmir.
Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) remained a prominent religious scholar and public figure whose life was associated with religious education, community service and the preservation of Shia religious traditions in Jammu and Kashmir. His death on September 30, 2014, was followed by tributes from across the political, religious and social spectrum.
As a continuation of the legacy of service associated with Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA), the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also announced an initiative to solemnise the marriages of 25 couples belonging to economically weaker families. The marriages are proposed to be conducted by the end of November in the name and memory of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA), with the initiative intended to assist families who may otherwise face difficulty meeting marriage-related expenses.
The programmes held on the 12th death anniversary reflected the continuing remembrance of Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari (RA) among the religious and social community, with prayers offered for the elevation of his spiritual status and for the continuation of the values of faith, knowledge and service associated with his life.
