Monday, 11 September 2017

Maulana Athar Abbas Rizvi Dies



By Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Muharram Mirror announces with a deep sense of shock and grief the sad and sudden demise of prominent Shia cleric Maulana Syed Athar Abbas Rizvi Sahib. He reportedly died of brain hemorrhage in Kolkata on Yaum-e-Ghadeer i.e. September 10, 2017.His sudden death left the entire Imami community grieving and celebrations related to Eid-E-Ghadeer came to a halt at certain places. Considered to be an orator of rare caliber, Maulana is survived by his son and two daughters. His son is pursuing   a course in theology in Iran. One of his close friends , Janab Israr Hussain Zaidi revealed that he will be laid to rest tomorrow evening .
Maulana Athar Sahib was extremely popular as a Zakir and known for relating the tragedy of Karbala with contemporary issues. He was also an example of inter-faith understanding and held in high esteem by the Chief Minister of Bengal Ms.Mamta Banerjee. Only three days ago, he had a meeting with Ms. Mamta  to work out formula for peaceful observance of Muharram and celebration of Dussehara in Bengal. Most of his suggestions were accepted by the government and members of the concerned communities.
Maulana was born and brought up in Kolkata. He was son of Late Anwar Abbas Rizvi. Maulana was a regular visitor to Kanpur and Lucknow. His humility was appreciated by one and all. Similarly, the contents in his majlis were rarely repeated. He always strived to come out with innovative ideas about Karbala revolution. He always urged Imamis to work for humanity to earn the blessings of Allah Almightly and Masoomeen A.S.

A lover of religious books and man of aesthetic taste, Maulana served with distinction as Imam- E- Juma of Kolkata Momineen for several decades .His death has certainly created a void that   would be difficult to fill up. He is fourth  prominent Zakir who had left for his heavenly abode in the recent past .Prior to him , Janab Sarkar Mehndi, Janab Suhail Affendi and  Maulana Mirza Mohammad Athar had left Imamis grief-stricken.May their souls rest in peace. (Photo Courtesy Google Images)      

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