In the winter of 2007, during one of his regular lecture tours, my maternal uncle, Ayatollah Syed Hamidul Hasan, visited Dubai. Seizing the opportunity, I faxed a letter to the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage to propose a meeting. Remarkably, within an hour, we received a positive response, and a meeting with Mr. Juma Al Majid, the esteemed founder, was arranged.
On the day of the meeting, we arrived at the Centre and waited at the reception. We were soon escorted to the lobby, where we were greeted by the graceful and distinguished Mr. Juma Al Majid. The planned 15-minute meeting extended to an hour as they delved into discussions on Muslim affairs. This encounter underscored the respect and admiration my uncle commands, a testament to his stature and contributions.
Ayatollah Syed Hamidul Hasan – A Pillar of Islamic Leadership
Ayatollah Syed Hamidul Hasan is an Islamic scholar of the highest order and principal of Jamia Nazmia, the oldest Shia madarasa of India, since 1969. His annual Muharram lectures from the pulpit of Jamia-e-Nazmia reached their 56th year in 2024, a duration surpassing my own years on this earth. He has not only been my first teacher in Islamic history but also a beacon of peaceful coexistence despite religious differences. His tireless efforts have had a profound impact on me and many others.
Advocate for Peace and Unity
Ayatollah Syed Hamidul Hasan has always been at the forefront of promoting peace and unity. Whether it was courting arrest to reopen Muharram processions or initiating dialogues during sectarian violence in Lucknow, his dedication has been unwavering. His prolific writing includes nearly 300 full-page articles in Awadhnama, an Urdu daily, with 114 articles focusing on the Quran and Humanity.
Recognitions and Contributions
He has received written ijazah (certificates) from several eminent scholars, including Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhsin al-Hakim, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ruhollah Khomeini, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani. These endorsements reflect his esteemed position within the Islamic scholarly community.
Inspiring Teachings
One of his teachings that has always stayed with me is a story he shared during a lecture: “A man visited the Prophet (pbuh) and asked him, ‘I’ve buried 12 of my daughters. Would I be pardoned?’ The Prophet replied with just two words, ‘Irham Turham’ (Have Mercy). You deal mercifully with others and will surely be dealt with mercy. And if you show oppression, you’ll face it too. The Prophet was sent as ‘rahamtul-lil-‘aalamiin’ or as a mercy to mankind. We all need to understand the rule of mercy!”
Struggles and Resilience
Despite struggling with intense back pain in recent times, my uncle has continued to deliver his lectures with unwavering commitment. He recently completed another Ashrah, ten days of one-hour-long lectures from the pulpit, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his faith and community.
I pray to Allah for his good health and continued guidance.
Contributed by Inam Abidi Amrohvi
Views expressed are personal
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