Dr. SAJAD AHMAD DARZI/ YAMIN MOHAMMAD MUNSHI
Known for his scholarship, eloquent oratory, and contributions to Islamic literature Agha Baqir is widely respected and honored in the Kashmiri society. He passed away Friday morning after a brief spell of illness. He was 85.
Born on 21 March 1940, Ayatollah Syed Mohammad Baqir commenced his early education at Babul Ilm in Budgam before proceeding to the renowned Howza Ilmia seminary in Najaf Ashraf. It was here that Agha Baqir deepened his expertise in Islamic philosophy, fiqh (jurisprudence), and usul al-din (principles of religion), studying under some of the most celebrated scholars of his time.
Returning to Kashmir in 1982, he carried forward the spiritual mission of the Aga family, following in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessors, including Aga Syed Yusuf Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi. He became a beacon of knowledge, known for his eloquent oratory and ability to bridge the scholarly traditions of Najaf with the cultural and spiritual needs of Kashmir.
Allama Baqir was known for his deep scholarship and spiritual insight. Fluent in Arabic, Persian, and Kashmiri, he was also a prolific author, poet(in kashmiri, urdu, persian and arabic), and preacher.
His works earned him the prestigious Shaheed Murtaza Mutahhari Award by the Ministry of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Iranian Cultural House, New Delhi, underscoring his intellectual contribution to Islamic scholarship.
A towering figure in the religious and intellectual life of Kashmiri Muslim community, Allama Baqir’s works encompass theology, jurisprudence and history in Arabic, Persian, and Kashmiri languages. He has authored several books and articles that reflect his deep understanding of Islamic teachings and his commitment to educating the community. The Ayatollah’s notable works include:
Akhtar-e-Durakshan, Nighat-un-Najaf and Manhaj-u-Salah-wa-Mairaaj-ul-Falah, ibn-sina javedaan, Farog-i-Taleem etc.He also translated Allama Amini’s work “Al-Ghadeer”.
His scholarly achievements have been appreciated as the potent harbinger of the the unity of Ummah. His significant writings have even won him a wide kudos of international intelligentia and the higher Seminaries of Iran and Iraq, and are regarded as intellectually rich and spiritually profound, reflecting his dedication to preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge in a manner that is both academically rigorous and accessible to the common believer.
Being a well recognised figure in the Islamic world we see that on the 30th death anniversary of the supreme leader of the Iranian Revolution in 2019, many conversations renewed Ayatollah Khomeini’s Kashmir connection. Aga Syed Baqir, was invited to the ‘Dah Fajr Azaadi’ festivities of the anniversary that took place in the capital city of Tehran.
Also, Such was his place among the scholarly community that whenever any representatives of the Grand Ayatollahs like those of Ayatollah Khamenei, Ayatollah Seestani and others visited kashmir, they made sure to visit Ayatollah Syed Baqir. Like when Haaj Mahdi Mahdavipur, Ayatollah Khamenei’s special envoy came to kashmir, he visited the prominent religious scholar of the valley, Allama Syed Baqir, at his residence in Budgam and during their meeting, Haaj Mahdi Mahdavipur appreciated the religious services and efforts of Allama Syed Baqir and invited him to visit Iran. Here he presented Allama with a collection of books published by Wilayat Foundation India as a gift.
A remarkable side of Ayatollah Baqir’s scholarship was that he made jurisprudence comprehensible to common muslims of the valley. He presented the depths and dimensions of “ilm ul ijtihad” in such a simple language that the people, especially younger generations, developed a good grasp on fiqh. Other than that, he encouraged the younger generation to ask questions on various dimensions of religion and addressed their pressing concerns in an elaborated manner. His work on fiqh “Usul-ul-Ijtihad” continues to be a guide to the budding student of jurisprudence.
Beyond his scholarly work, Agha Baqir was widely admired for his humility, moral clarity, and unwavering commitment to community service. He played an instrumental role in guiding the Shia population of Kashmir, both in matters of religious practice and ethical conduct. He also served as the representative of Grand Ayatollah Syed Ali Sistani in the region, a role that further established his stature within the wider Shia world.
Ayatollah Baqir worked in a tireless fashion to strengthen the inter-community relations within the kashmiri society, the center focus being that of inclusiveness, brotherhood and upliftment of one human by the other.
Agha Baqir’s sermons, particularly during Muharram and other religious gatherings, were known for their depth, emotional resonance, and ability to connect classical Islamic thought with contemporary issues facing the community. He touched the modern problems of the kashmiri community in such a way that all would understand. He stressed on preserving the kashmiri culture and image of “kashmiriyat” i.e, one of brotherhood, hospitality and affection for humanity.
He mentored a generation of scholars, clerics, and students who now carry forward his legacy of knowledge, moderation, and spiritual devotion.
The loss of Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi leaves an irreplaceable void in Jammu and Kashmir’s spiritual and scholarly circles. His life was a testament to the power of knowledge, humility, and service to humanity. His teachings and writings continue to inspire, and his mentorship has left a lasting imprint on the next generation of scholars. As the Kashmiri Muslim community reflects on his contributions, his legacy as a scholar and a moral guide will endure, guiding future generations toward wisdom and unity. His loss is deeply felt not just by the Shia community but by all those in the Valley who valued spiritual integrity and intellectual depth.
His legacy requires more serious scholarship that will take it as passion and mission rather than a vocation.
