Budgam, Apr 18 (KNO): Thousands gathered in Budgam on Friday to attend the last rites of the renowned Shia cleric and scholar Allama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi Al-Najfi, who passed away late Thursday night.
The Namaz-e-Janaza was held at his ancestral shrine, Astana-e-Aliya after the culmination of congregational Friday prayers.
The funeral procession as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), witnessed participation from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani and other prominent political and religious figures, reflecting the wide-reaching influence of the late scholar.
Allama Baqir, the senior-most member of the influential Aga family, was laid to rest amid a sea of mourners, with emotional scenes as followers and students paid their final respects.
Shops and businesses in parts of Budgam remained closed as a mark of mourning and local Masjids reverberated with prayers in his memory.
A scholar of deep insight, Allama Baqir studied at the esteemed Howza Ilmia seminary in Najaf before returning to Kashmir in 1982 to carry forward the spiritual legacy of his forefathers.
Known for his mastery of Arabic, Persian, and Kashmiri, he also contributed extensively as a poet, writer, and preacher.
Condolences continued to pour in from across the region.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq expressed grief over his passing away and termed his demise as great loss to the religious and scholarly circles of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Express my deep sorrow on the passing away of prominent and respected religious scholar Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi. His demise is a great loss to the religious and scholarly circles of Jammu & Kashmir. Convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire community, and pray to Almighty Allah to grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannah,” Mirwaiz wrote on X.
President of the All Jammu & Kashmir Shia Association, Molvi Imran Reza Ansari, described him as “a scholar, a guide, and a spiritual light,” adding that his passing leaves a void not easily filled.
Member of Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency and a religious cleric, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi said that their family lost the last living example of a rich scholarly past.
“With his demise we lost the last living example of our family’s rich scholarly past. Allama Aga Syed Baqar Al Musavi, an Islamic scholar with exemplary command on Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence. A great interpreter of Quran and Hadith,” Ruhullah wrote.
Chief Minister Omar Abdulllah in a post expressed sorrow and said that his contributions to religious thought, social harmony, and public service will be remembered with deep respect and affection.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Deeply saddened by the passing of distinguished Shia scholar, cleric, and religious leader Allama Agha Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi. His profound contributions to religious thought, social harmony, and public service in J&K leave behind a legacy that will be remembered with deep respect and affection. Heartfelt condolences to his family, followers mourning this great loss,” Omar wrote.
Peoples democratic Party (PDP) Chief and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti prayed for highest place in Jannah to the departed soul. “Deeply saddened to know of the passing away of revered Shia cleric, prolific author & theologian Aga Syed Baqir Moosavi Sahab. May Allah SWT grant him highest place in Jannah & give patience to his family & legion of admirers,” she wrote.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone in a post said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Allama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi Al-Najfi of Budgam. A revered scholar and guide. May Allah SWT elevate his ranks and grant him Jannat al-Firdous (Ameen).”
Apni Party President and former minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari wrote, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon. The passing of Allama Aga Syed Baqir Al Safvi Najafi marks the end of an era. He will always be remembered for his profound contributions as a distinguished religious scholar and revered leader. His teachings and wisdom will continue to inspire and guide people for generations to come. This is a tremendous loss, especially for the Muslim community of Kashmir. May Almighty Allah grant his soul the highest place in Jannah.”
Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of prominent Shia cleric and scholar.
In his condolence message, Hakeem Yaseen hailed the late scholar as a towering figure of faith, intellect, and service. “Allama Al-Moosavi’s unparalleled contributions to religious discourse, interfaith harmony, and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir have left an indelible mark,” he said.
Hakeem noted that the revered cleric was a beacon of unity whose teachings inspired generations across communities. “His demise is a monumental loss not just to the Shia community but to all who value peace, wisdom, and spiritual integrity.”
Offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, followers, and admirers, Hakeem Yaseen prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the mourners to bear the irreparable loss—(KNO)