Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Begum Anees
Zahra, a dedicated azadar and widow of prominent lawyer of Moradabad , Marhoom
Zaheer Mohsin Naqvi, is no more. She breathed her last at Vivekanand Hospital
after brief illness. She was 74 and is
survived by two daughters. One of them, Dr.Hena Zaheer, is a respected Zakira
Ahlebait, social activist and academician. Her death left Imamis of Moradabad
and its neighboring districts in view of her immense contribution to promotion
of azadari among women.
Born to Late
Hussain Haider Sahib, the General Manager of A.H.Wheller and Company and a
great Azadar himself, Begum Anees exhibited her inclination to Soz and Marsiyas
from her childhood. She herself was proficient in Arabic and Urdu and trained a number of girls
to recite majalis. Her brother and founder of Julus-E-Amari in Badagaon in
Jaunpur district, Abbas Hussaini Sahib encouraged her talents. After marriage
with Zaheer Mohsin Sahib, she dedicated herself to promotion of azadari in western
Uttar Pradesh. As a number of prominent families of Moradabad had migrated to
Pakistan in 1947, she encouraged strived along with her husband to ensure that Marasim-
e- azadari do not lose its sheen in the wake of thin Imami population left in
the city. She established a majlis for women on Chehlum day and also played
instrumental role in starting a few other processions. Begum was an excellent
host who derived pleasure in serving religious scholars and admirers of Ahlebait.
Due to her hospitality, her residence emerged as hub of Imami activities.
Even death of
her husband in 2011 and her own poor health did not dampen her spirit and she
continued to serve cause of Masoomeen Alaihssalam with same zest. She used to
donate regularly to various charitable organizations from her income. So long
as her health permitted, Begum Anees participated in majalis in Amroha, Sirsi,
Aghwanpur, Naugawan Sadat, Meerut, Kanpur, Barelly, Lucknow, Badegaon and
various other locations. She always strived to lead life in accordance with
Shariah and young girls considered her as their role model.(Based in inputs
received from her family members)
