Special Edition
In Memoriam: Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi
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The Minister
In Memoriam
Special Edition C O N T E N T S: v
Accountant Chartered Accountant Shah Bhalloo & Company 306, High Street Croydon CR0 1NG Tel: 020 8760 0500 Bank Habibsons Bank Ltd 9, Portman Street London W1H 6DZ Tel: 020 7895 1100 Account Details S I Education Society Account no: 21027243 Sort code: 40-50-83
*** You can download this magazine from our website www.sies.co.uk
Sayyada Zakia Razavi
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Condolences: Muhammad Taqi Ansariyan
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Biography Maulana Sayyid Ali Reza Rizvi
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Condolences: Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi
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As I Remember Him Syed Zafar Abbas Naquvi
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Condolences: Hawza Ilmiya Qom
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Short and Sweet Syed Abid Abbas Razavi
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Condolences: Ayatullah Jafar Sobhani
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A Pioneer of His Time Gouhar Nayeem Rizvi
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A Father Figure Hassnain Hudda
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Condolences: Ayatullah Jawad Shahristani
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A Granddaughter’s Perspective Misbah Husain
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Full of Life and Laughter Fizza Kadiwal
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The Last Lesson Shahnawaz Zaidi
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Condolences: Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini
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Don’t Cry Because It’s Over Smile Because It Happened
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Syed Ahmed Abbas Razavi
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My Father, My Rock, My Guide
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A Word From The Patron Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi
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A Selection of Photographic Memories
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
The Minister
In Memoriam
MY FATHER, MY ROCK, MY GUIDE Sayyada Zakia Sibtain Razavi – daughter of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi Aghajoon (HIWM Syed Shamim Sibtain Rizvi) as called affectionately by his family was my father, my rock and my guide. I, being his fourth child and second daughter, had the most amazing upbringing along with all of my siblings, full of encouragement and guidance. He was neither an old fashioned parent nor a traditional Maulana. He was the most up to date, modern and forward-thinking parent one could ever wish for. He instilled in us this same belief and encouraged us to think ahead and be hard working. He was an inspiration to so many people and an advisor to many more. This special edition of The Minister has been put together to commemorate a great Aalim, the best father and grandfather, and the
founder of this magazine. He was a pioneer of his time. This magazine was established and circulated all over the world (we had four distribution agents: one in USA, one in Africa and one in Iran, as well as the main one in the UK) at a time when there was a huge demand for such a magazine to discuss and deal with daily issues that English-speaking Shia Muslims faced from all around the world. Aghajoon made sure to involve us in making the magazine. We spent many evenings typing on an old typewriter. Initially we had an old, small printing machine and a photocopier for producing all the thousands of copies that we posted. Having printed the magazine, posting was another big task. Each of the thousands of magazines were individually put in to
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the plastic envelopes and stamped. Each and every stage was very special to us. All of us siblings, and the grandchildren when they came along, remember sitting in the room with huge piles of the magazine and working in a ‘systematic’
favourite snack was Cadbury’s fruit and nut. Gradually over the years the magazine was produced using computers and professional printing. The articles were usually to do with the essentials of daily life as many parents
(Aghajoon’s favourite word) way, like a production line.
were contacting my father on how to explain to their children the basics of Islam, such as wudhu and prayer, in English. It also included excerpts from well-known books as these were not easily accessible to the wider community. He always said he wanted
There was never a dull moment, Aghajoon made sure of that. Everyone who helped was well fed as there was always a constant supply of snacks. His 4
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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everyone, no matter where and how remote they were, to be able to read and know about Shia Islam. An interesting section that he always included in the magazine was Words from the Patron. This was a small monthly article by my father himself. They were always thought provoking and very interesting. A selection of these articles were compiled into book form and published under the title Words from the Patron and published by S. I. Education Society. In the introduction to this book he writes that the topic closest to his heart is ‘the education of the young and the urgent need that we set the right example for them to enable them to understand and remain firm in their faith’. His main concern was always ‘to guide the next generation’. He spent his life guiding and resolving the issues of the youth. When we arrived in the UK over 30 years ago there were very few mosques and madrassas. My father travelled to every corner of the country reciting majalis
and giving donations and helping set up Islamic centres. We travelled everywhere with him. We were his satellite navigation system as in those days there was no such thing. He was so amazing that he even made these tasks fun. He taught us how to read maps and plan journeys. We never went without the full picnic - all home-made of course - with plenty of all of our favourites. The car journey was never boring, somehow he just managed to make them all fun. We had pit stops for praying; they too became fun as we would spread out our prayer mats in the service station car park and go for wudhu at 4am! For us, these were all unique, great experiences. Perhaps his greatest legacy for us is that he kept us all together. No event would be complete if we weren’t all there together with Aghajoon leading the way. There was not a funfair or beach that we did not visit. At the funfairs it wasn't just us playing; he always went on all of the rides and made sure my mum did too!
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Education was the absolute priority. I remember in the 80s when the desktop became a household item, we were one of the first kids to have a computer at home and we were one of the few who had a whole set of Encyclopedia Britannica at our house. Aghajoon encouraged us to learn, study and embrace all things new. Despite having limited funds, somehow he managed to get us all this. In his view these things were considered essential, whereas he never gave importance to materialistic items.
to all individuals, young or old. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. Even a few days before he passed away he would get a sudden energy boost and tell us to help him up and he would exercise and take a few steps. I don’t think he ever thought he was 82 years old. Since his passing away many people have come up to my family and have said ‘your father was the guide and mediator for us’, ‘your father helped us’, ‘your father helped us in setting up the mosque or madrassa’. It is comforting
Aghajoon was always an advocate for empowering women. For instance, in the days that I was brought up very few Muslim women drove. This was never an option for us and as soon as we were old enough to drive he encouraged us to learn taking us out for lessons early in the morning, teaching us how to look after our cars and imprinting on us the importance of being self-dependent. He was always young at heart and was able to relate 6
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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to know that he left a wonderful legacy and touched the hearts of so many individuals.
writing a book on his life and achievements which will go into further detail about his great life and family history.
This magazine is just a snapshot into his life. Ansariyan publications of Qum, Iran, who are lifelong friends of Aghajoon and the family, are in the process of
Life will be very difficult without him to guide me. I will miss him immensely as it truly feels like a huge protective hand has gone from over my head.
*****
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Condolence message: Muhammad Taqi Ansariyan
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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BIOGRAPHY Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Sayyid Ali Raza Rizvi In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Hujjat al-Islam wal Muslimeen Maulana Sayyid Shamim usSibtain Rizvi (may Allah have mercy on him) was born in 1933 in the city of Chhaulus, District of Bulandshehr, in the province of Uttar Pradesh (India). His father, Sayyid Ghulam us-Sibtain Rizvi taught English and was a famous Urdu poet. He was known as 'Tapan,' which was his pen name for writing poetry. Maulana's mother was from Shikarpur, Uttar Pradesh and was a very religious and modest woman. Maulana received his primary education in Chhaulus and then in Delhi. In Delhi he was taught Qur'an and other Islamic subjects by this writer's grandfather, Maulana Sayyid Safdar Abbas Rizvi. After the partition, Maulana Marhoom came to Lahore, Pakistan with his family. After coming to Lahore, he completed his secondary education and attained his BA at college. During this time, Jamiat al-Muntazir (AS) was founded in Lahore. Then it was based in old Lahore (now inner Lahore).
Maulana was taught by Allamah Akhtar Abbas (may Allah exalt his status) and, after studying introductory subjects from him, left for Najaf al-Ashraf in 1953. The ship which Maulana boarded from Karachi was the same ship that Marhoom Allamah Zeeshan Haider Jawwadi had boarded from Mumbai. Thus, both of these personalities began their journey to Najaf together. When they landed in Basra, according to Allamah Jawwadi, "Then I realised that this youth, who is going around the whole
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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ship asking each person whether he needs anything, is also heading for Najaf." While Marhoom was in the beginning of his study in Najaf al-Ashraf, there was no room in any madrassah for him. Thus, Ayatullah Muhsin al-Hakim (RA) let Marhoom stay in his room which was on the second floor of the Haram and adjacent to the courtyard where the Ayatullah used to perform his worship. Maulana Marhoom said that room was the beginning of a spiritual journey for him. The
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window of that room faced the Haram and it was also the direction of the Qiblah. When Ayatullah al-Hakim used to come and perform his worship, this act of a Marja' e Taqlid was a torch lighting the path for the rest of the life of this young scholar of religion. Then the late Maulana studied in Madrassah Qazwini, but still remained in contact with the office of Ayatullah al-Hakim for translating into English and Urdu. Maulana completed the introductory and advanced Hawza studies in Najaf and then returned to Pakistan. He
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was married in Lahore in 1958, and then decided to return to Najaf al-Ashraf by land. The reason he went by land was to perform the Ziyarat of Imam alRida (AS). However, after performing Ziyarat, when he reached Tehran it was announced that the borders have been closed between Iran and Iraq. Just when Maulana was thinking what he should do next, someone advised him to benefit from Ayatullah Burujerdi (RA) in Holy Qum. Maulana benefited from a long list of teachers in Najaf alAshraf, which included Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Murtaza Naqvi Lucknowi. Maulana studied Sharh al-Lumah from him. In Qum, Maulana completed Rasail under Ayatullah Itimadi, and other higher studies under various teachers. Then he began to attend the Dars Kharij of Ayatullah Burujerdi. Ayatullah Burujerdi had organised a system of sending deputies worldwide for propagation. He wished to send Maulana to Myanmar, but unfortunately, Ayatullah Burujerdi (RA) passed away before that. The six people that participated in the funeral rites of Ayatullah Burujerdi included Maulana Sayyid Shamim usSibtain Rizvi.
In 1962 Maulana Marhoom moved to Africa, where he preached in various countries in the continent for seven years. Maulana was regarded as one of the founders of Bilal Muslim Mission. He tirelessly served the local people as well as the Khoja community. While in Africa, Maulana learned Swahili. In addition, because of the Khoja community, he mastered Gujrati. Maulana thus was fluent in seven languages: Urdu, Pubjabi, Arabic, Farsi, English, Gujrati, and Swahili. In 1969, Marhoom took his mother with him for the honour of performing Hajj, and then returned to Lahore, Pakistan. He became the Imam of Friday and congregational prayers at a Shia mosque in Samanabad. He bought a suitable house for
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residence there and, for approximately a year, devoted himself to propagation and serving the community. This was the period when Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Dehlavi (may Allah elevate his status) was the leader. He stated regarding Maulana, "My movement needs such positive-thinking and competent individuals."
various languages, the circle of his profession and friends was even vaster.
Maulana returned to the holy city of Qum in 1970, and worked at the office of Ayatullah Shariatmadari for eight years as the head of the English and Urdu departments. He translated works into English and Urdu at Dar al-Tabligh Qum, which became the office of Islamic Propagation after the Islamic Revolution.
Maulana was extremely jovial, generous, and hospitable. He spent more than sixty years of his life gaining knowledge and propagating religion. Maulana was experienced in all affairs, and simplicity was the manner of his life.
In 1978 he became the Resident Aalim at the Khoja Jamaat in Peterborough, UK. Maulana spent the rest of his life in UK. While he was in Qum, he would travel to countries in Middle East to preach. He also traveled to Europe and America. After coming to the UK, he continued to travel to America and all over Europe to perform his religious obligations. Although the scope of his propagation was vast, because of his fluency in
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Maulana founded S (Shia). I (Islamic). Education Society in UK, through which he published English and Urdu magazines. He also pioneered audio magazines. He founded an office, and then an Imambargah.
For the past few years, Maulana stayed at home due to ill health. He bade farewell to this temporary world in the morning of Wednesday, 22nd Shawwal (27th July, 2016) and went to meet his Almighty Creator. He left grieving four sons, three daughters, a widow, and thousands of believers. According to Maulana's will, the grandson of Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Hadi Husayni Milani, Hujjat al-Islam wal Muslimeen Sayyid Fadhil Milani, led the funeral prayer.
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Approximately one thousand believing men and women attended his funeral at Hyderi Islamic Centre. He was buried
on Thursday after the Zuhrain prayers in the South London cemetery known as Jannatul Firdaus.
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Condolence message: Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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AS I REMEMBER HIM Syed Zafar Abbas Naquvi - Resident Alim, Anjuman e Husainiyah, Newcastle upon Tyne Hujjat al-Islam wal Muslimeen Maulana Sayyid Shamim usSibtain Rizvi (may Allah have mercy on him) was born in 1933 in Chhaulus, District of Bulandshehr (India). Maulana was educated at Delhi, Lahore, Najaf and Qum. He served as a muballigh in Pakistan, East Africa, the UK as well as visiting US and mainland Europe as well. Since 1978, he settled in UK, and was thus one of the longest in continuous Tabligh in this country. As a matter of coincidence, my father had also arrived in the UK in the same year. Thus they developed a close friendship, so much so that when my father was getting married in 1985, Maulana himself said that he would deliver the wedding speech. My father would regularly speak about Maulana and his forward thinking compared to other people of his generation. For example, in 1982 when my father was living in Cambridge, he told me about the time when Maulana organised a day commemorating Imam Husain
(as) in Peterborough, in which the local MP of the time, councilor and academics had been invited. Naturally, all of them including Maulana delivered speeches in English, which was unprecedented at the time. Similarly, around the same time, he organised a conference to discuss the standardisation of halal meat in the UK which was attended by the main Sunni and Shia scholars in the country. Ever since a young age, I remember Maulana to be extremely jovial personality. He was the exemplar of the Hadith of Imam Ali (as) which commands us to respect the elderly and show love towards the younger ones. It was a sign of his great status that despite the fact that I was in the age group of his grandchildren, he always showered me with respect in public. Two conversations with him stand out particularly. Once in 2007, whilst he was standing in for Sheikh Alemi who had gone for Hajj, after the Jumua salaat, I remember going up to him and he asked me what I was
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studying. I replied that I was at university studying politics. He immediately replied, "No politics without wife. You must get married." I asked him to suggest someone suitable. He said, "Pick anyone from granddaughters!" Similarly, in 2011, whilst I was studying in the holy city of Najaf al Ashraf, I was living with one of his nephews, Maulana Athar Rizvi, and Maulana had once called him. I remember that he asked to speak to me and said with an immense amount of pride in his voice, "I tell everyone that some people are forced into hawza even though they don't want to go there, but you are the one who always wanted to be there since you were a child!" In addition, his sense of humour extended to all, even and especially the fellow ulama. We were once attending a wedding where several ulama were present and there was a bandstand playing. Maulana told one of the younger ulama to ask them
to stop the music, who asked to be excused from what would have been an awkward conversation with the hosts. Then Maulana declared that he himself would put an end to it. He called the father of the bride and said "I have a very bad habit that wherever music is playing I get up and start dancing!" Needless to say, the music was put to an end rather swiftly. One thing that I am regretful of is that as soon I heard of Maulana's deteriorating health, I had made an intention to try and get some details from him of his experiences at Najaf and Qum as well as his Tabligh experiences. Sadly, the opportunity never came and Maulana departed with all his wisdom. As the Hadith states, "when a scholar dies there is such a gap in society that can never be filled." We hope and pray that Allah elevates his status to the proximity of the Masoomeen (as) and allows to learn from his legacy. Ameen.
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Condolence message: Hawza Ilmiya Qom
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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SHORT AND SWEET Syed Abid Abbas Razavi – grandson of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi In the name of Allah, the beneficent, the merciful. I will attempt to keep the following article “short and sweet” as my grandad always liked everything to be. Aghajoon, as my fellow family members will have explained, is how we referred to HIWM Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi. As a leader of the Muslim community across the globe he has affected the hearts and minds of many individuals. However, throughout his life he did not only spearhead the Shia Islamic movement into other continents but he devoted much of his time to enjoying life with his family and friends here as well as preparing for the hereafter. A defining characteristic of Aghajoon was his love of education in an age when knowledge was difficult to obtain. From a young age he encouraged all of his grandchildren to read a wide range of books. Even when we went to visit him he would always prefer it if we brought a
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book with us to read. That is unless we were listening to the discussion of the elders, which he recommended we do for the sake of gaining knowledge. Furthermore, being an avid reader himself, he had read the complete works of Shakespeare, a feat difficult for a native English speaker to perform even these days. In fact, he cared so much for our education that at the height of his affliction last year, when he struggled to talk and move, the only thing he would say to me is when are you and your cousins’ exam results coming and when will we eat chocolate in celebration. Moreover, Aghajoon was a passionate sportsman. He would take his whole family on weekly trips to a variety of parks and beaches all across England, not just to sit, eat and enjoy the scenery but he would also ensure that everyone would swim, or cycle or do some form of exercise. In earlier life he was a wrestling and weightlifting enthusiast. This continued later on and he
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would share his love for these sports, as well as snooker, with his grandchildren. We would watch every major snooker match with him whenever one was on TV. In this way Aghajoon, made sure that the knowledge of his descendants was not only restricted to academia, but also that we had an all-round perspective of the world. Aghajoon always made sure that we took part in everything and knew how to do everything. He truly was remarkable as he ensured his children were able to excel in all fields be it sports, video games, academia or Islam. Aghajoon would follow the Sunnah of the Ahlul Bayt in every aspect of his life. For example, his cleanliness was impeccable. In S.I.E.S after every programme we would all pick up the sheets laid on the
floor, wash the dishes and vacuum the whole place before leaving, to make sure the mosque was as clean as possible. Even during the penultimate week of his life when his health had deteriorated to a significant level, he made sure that his hair and beard were cut and trimmed and that he looked presentable. There are many more unique attributes of Aghajoon that have defined him not just as the spiritual leader but as a grandfather and father to the whole community. These are just some of the many qualities that made Aghajoon what we remember him as today. In the end all I can request is that the reader of this article recites Surah al-Fateha for my grandfather and for all marhomeen.
*****
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Condolence message: Ayatullah Jafar Sobhani
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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A PIONEER OF HIS TIME Gouhar Nayeem Rizvi – daughter- in-law of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi “The Sun travels to an appointed place. This is the decree of the Mighty, the AllKnowing.” (Qur'an 36:38) Bismillahhir Raheem.
magazine and S.I. Education Society. The intelligent, inspirational, wise, caring, generous, witty, and humorous Hojjatul Islam Molana Syed Shamim us Sibtain Rizvi.
Rahmannir
Death and qiyamat, as we know, are life events that no living creation can escape from, just as the setting and rising of the sun is a predictable and inevitable part of each day. If we were not aware or conscious that the sun would return the next day, how depressed and hopeless would we feel? The death of a loved one reminds us of this very eventuality that we also return to our Creator just as the sun returns after the darkness of the night. Losing Molana Shamim Sibtain, or Agha Joon, as his close family and friends would refer to him, feels as if the world has dimmed despite the sun rising again. This edition of ‘The Minister’ is dedicated to the patron and founder of the This was in the late 80’s and I was at the height of
Since his sad demise there has been an outpouring of messages from hundreds of individuals of different faiths, backgrounds, and geographical locations, all relating their personal accounts of how Molana effected their lives. My personal account begins with the magazine itself, the heart of S.I. Education society in my opinion, and the source of Molana’s passion and drive. I suppose I have my teenage curiosity to thank for happening upon the plastic wrapped ‘Air mailed’ glossy magazine. I have to say Molana had an eye for detail and presentation and it worked flawlessly, alhumdulillah. Honestly, I do not think I would have bothered to look if it hadn’t been for how the magazine was delivered and presented. questioning my place in this world and how to navigate
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through all the difficult teenage dilemmas of being raised in the West.
to produce such material for the community, which was lacking at the time.
‘The Minister’ addresses a variety of issues, whether it be fiqh, ahklaq, aqaid and even a special word from the patron,
It was not until 1996 that I met Molana at my house in Maryland and I unknowingly did not recognize him as the
which I loved, it added a very personal touch and somehow always related to something that was happening in my life at the time.
Patron of the magazine until he mentioned it later. That was something I have always admired about Agha Joon, despite all his accomplishments, achievements, and status, he was one of the most approachable, humble, caring, and considerate people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life.
I religiously read ‘The Minister’ every month as a source of guidance at a very tender and crucial age and I am always thankful to Agha Joon for having the diligence and drive
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Molana’s witty humor was infectious. I could never get enough of it and I loved responding back as best as I could to keep up with him. It was this quality of his that made him so very relatable and approachable in comparison to many alim at that time especially with the youth. He had a clear vision for S.I. Education Society and the magazine and a progressive drive that rode parallel to the time, in terms of technology and trends. I had the pleasure of working for the magazine, which I diligently grew up reading, for 3 years and in that time I truly understood what passion and relentless hard work Molana poured into this monthly publication. From material, design, layout, final publication and posting, Agha Joon was involved and it was this love that truly makes this publication so very impressionable and meaningful to the readers. When there were financial difficulties in the printing and posting, Molana would personally provide the necessary funds out of his pocket. It was this dedication that made the magazine such a cornerstone of consistency and professionalism.
Losing such a visionary and influential man is a great loss to the community, and I mean the community in general, not just the Shi’a one. Molana did his utmost to show inclusivity within all community groups and his friendly smile and gently humor made nearly everyone who interacted with him comfortable and at ease, which is evident in the outpouring of messages after his death. I, like so many others that had the pleasure of knowing him, feel the darkness of a world without a man who provided so much guidance, wisdom, sympathy and compassion for others, myself included. I would like to thank him for his profound personal influence on me, because after my own father’s death, he was my main source of guidance and fatherly love. And I want to thank him for the publication of ‘The Minister’ magazine, it was a crucial positive source of direction at a crucial time in my formative years. We feel the profound loss of his absence but death is not the end. The sun will rise again tomorrow and also set in its due course. Molana Shamim Sibtain Rizvi will be remembered by all of us
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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whose lives he influenced and his publication will continue to serve as a source of guidance inshAllah in this very complicated and difficult world we live in.
Sura Fateha for the departed marhoom and patron of S.I. Education Society, Hojjatul Islam Syed Shamim us Sibtain Rizvi.
*****
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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A FATHER FIGURE Hassnain Hudda – family friend of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi On the 27th July, we said farewell to a one of the most honest, sincere and genuine of personalities, Maulana Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi (RA). As most who knew Maulana will be aware, He was a very learned scholar who pioneered religious and educational services in this country and many others, He was an inspiration to so many people, a mentor for so many more and person of comfort and help for those in need of help. Maulana’s house was open to any that required his services whether day or night, he never refused anyone who came to him for help and advice and they never left without being fed and watered, such was Maulana’s kindness, generosity and selflessness. Maulana and our father have been friends for 59 years, first meeting in Uganda where Maulana was the resident Alim. Their friendship formed very quickly and they regularly played badminton and enjoyed each other's company.
Our families were united again in Peterborough where Maulana became the resident Alim. It was from here that we have our fondest memories of Maulana and his family. Hassnain and Tahera, who Maulana had known from the day they were born, remember Maulana as a kind gentle and jolly person who used to love, embrace and treat them as his
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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own. To them, he was no less than part of our immediate family from hereon. He was such a caring person, that so many warmed to him. Haider and Mohamed had the honour and pleasure of being taught by Maulana at Madressa which Maulana established. Mohamed, Haider & Shabnum and Tahera all had the honour of having Maulana recite their Nikkah. Haider also shared the same primary school with Zia and Saeed and regularly ate school lunch at Maulana's residence. Our families enjoyed visits to the seaside, Wicksteed Park and Woburn Safari Park together on many occasions and Maulana would actively join in with games with the young ones and picnics that both the families still remember to this day. At mosque we fondly remember Maulana for his unique style of delivering Majalis with heart and soul and of course his Khutba at the start of Majalis, which was famous worldwide, was such a joy to listen to and caught people’s attention for the remainder of his speech. Maulana’s emotional and heartfelt Amaals of Laylatul Qadr in Ramadhan are still
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remembered by those who attended them. Maulana touched the lives and heart of so many, his passion, love and desire to help and look after everyone that came to him was endless. Even in sickness he never turned anyone away and was always praying for anyone that spoke to him even when it wasn't to ask for his advice. Those who had the honour to meet him will know what a great personality the world has lost and those who didn’t know him are indebted to the educational and religious activities that Maulana worked hard to implement that has resulted in the thriving communities we have today. We have lost our father figure and best friend. Our father and Maulana spoke regularly right up until Maulana answered the call to His Lord. They were very close and my father already misses him dearly stating "I've lost my father" We pray to The Almighty Allah SWT to grant this servant of His who worked tirelessly and endlessly for His pleasure only to grant Maulana the elevated status in Jannah amongst his Great Grandfathers (AS) and Great Grandmother, Sayyida Fatemah Zahra (SA) and to give his family Sabr-e-Jameel
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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to bear this truly substantial loss.
Please recite one Sura Fateha and three Sura Ikhlaas for Maulana’s soul.
*****
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Condolence message: Ayatullah Jawad Shahristani
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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A GRANDDAUGHTER’S PERSPECTIVE Misbah Husain – granddaughter of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi Throughout his life, my grandfather was known as “Hujjtatul Islam wal Muslimeen Maulana Syed Shamim-usSibtain Rizvi”, a rather grand name for the person who I visited the local supermarket with. For me, he was and always will be ‘Agha Joon’, a name he picked for himself which awkwardly translates from Farsi into English as “Sir Dearest”. For him, being called Agha Joon meant that he wasn’t restricted by the status or ‘rankings’ associated with being the ‘baba’ (father), the ‘bhai (brother)’, the ‘nana’ (maternal grandfather) or the ‘susar’ (father-in-law), he always wanted everyone’s approach to him to be equally regarded. This is something I noticed about him from an early age, whenever there was a decision to be made, he would have us all sit in a circle around him and ask each of us for our ‘mashfira’ (opinion). By doing this he made each and every one of us feel valued, and we in turn felt honoured to be giving our
views and thoughts on various topics. Agha Joon’s hospitality was second to none. As a child, any visit he made to our house was never without chocolates, and no visit to his house was ever complete without a full selection of freshly cut fruits, nuts, a fully cooked meal, and his favourite - a packet of salt and vinegar crisps. He loved his Indian food as well, with paya and nihari definitely featuring in his top 5 meals made by my grandmother, Sayyada Haseen Ara Rizvi. No mention of my grandfather should go without her, for she was and is his all-in-one chef, PA, accountant, therapist, carer and best friend. She travelled the world with him and was his rock wherever they went. She is a one in a billion lady and he definitely knew it. One of the attributes which I admire the most about my grandfather’s relationship with his grandchildren was his focus on education. He regularly pestered both the boys and the girls in the family
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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to read books constantly and was immensely happy when my cousins and I gained places at some of the world’s best institutions. He took an active part in following all of our careers and was able to keep up with all 25 of his grandchildren - whether they were at nursery in America, starting Hawza in Iran, or ending their PhD’s in London. Technology was also one of his passions. The first laptop I ever used was one he had in his house, he was always buying the latest kitchen and household gadgets and was always so impressed with how much easier and faster technology could make a task. I often wonder how different his career would be if it had peaked in the late noughties with the rise of Qur’an and Dua apps - how much of a following would he have had on social media, what would he have written on twitter! In many ways he was one of the people who contributed to the increasingly globalised Islamic world we see today, a man way ahead of his time.
my opinion is why he remained so humble and personable. He was the champion wrestler at the University of Punjab (he practiced some of his moves whilst playing with us!), he played basketball, he loved snooker, he followed cricket (of course), and he was a big fan of the Olympics. His favourite holidays included trips to Iran with his family and hiking trips to Wales. A picnic in the park was his specialty, and months before he passed away he was still hosting ‘pizza parties’ at his house - recently, I even managed to take a selfie with him. All of this is a testament to how fulfilling and
Finally, his hobbies have to be given a mention - Agha Joon was not the type of person who was pouring over his Dua books all day, he allowed himself to live a little, which in
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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rich his life was. He wasn’t just a great scholar, or an amazing teacher, he was the best grandfather you could ever ask
for, and he will be sorely missed.
*****
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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FULL OF LIFE AND LAUGHTER Fizza Kadiwal – family friend of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi We were truly honoured to have known such a man. He welcomed our father as a friend and brother in Peterborough in 1979 and took the rest of us into his family and their hearts after we arrived. We were blessed to be a part of the inner circle of Maulana's family life and he included us in everything they did - a privilege not to be taken lightly as he did not allow his children to associate with any outsiders (apart from us!). I am sure we all remember the opening of S I Education Society and how Maulana used to come and ask me to record for the audio magazine. I was 19. We used to sit upstairs in Shiree's (my sister) old room where it was quietest. I remember everyone getting married, one by one, and their children being born. Those same children, who call me Fizza khala, are becoming parents themselves now. Maulana Shamim was always called Aghajoon by his family, and by us also. He was an exceptional person, always joking and laughing and making everyone happy. He was the light of his family's life. We
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cannot imagine what they are going through, losing such a father. Seeing them during the few days since his death I was reminded of how much I love Aghajoon and his family. Something that unfortunately I had forgotten on the business of my own married life. Something that I regret. You don't meet such people and such personalities often in this life and we were truly blessed to have known and loved Aghajoon with them. Let us all remember him as he was, full of life and laughter, tireless in his energy to promote Islam and to keep us all connected to it, as well as to each other. He believed in the power and strength of family - let us remember his lesson always and use it now. May Allah grant this special person the highest level in the real Jannat e Firdous. May the Ahlulbayt receive him with all the love that he deserves. May his grave be filled with noor until he is raised again. May we and all his children never forget the lessons he taught us. May we strive to be like him. Ameen.
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
THE LAST LESSON Shahnawaz Zaidi – grandson-in-law of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi I have read somewhere that one of the most effective ways to end a good lesson is to ask students, what have you learnt today? Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Syed Shamim Rizvi was a respected teacher in every aspect of life. I thought to myself, if he had asked me a similar question on the day of his passing (27th July 2016) What would I have replied? I quickly started flicking through the pages of my life of which I have known him. Every moment has been impacted by his sincere advice, which were always based on Ahadiths from the Ahlulbayt (a.s) and the Quran. It is impossible for me to list everything. I have learnt that a ‘higher level of akhlaq’ keeps you alive in the hearts of the community and scholars; regardless of which part of the world they live and language they speak. People come to see you when you can’t see them. People cry for you when you can’t hear them. I learnt how ‘abstaining from sins’ makes you close to Allah
(SWT), and that the community asseverate you as ‘Alam e Rabbani’. I learnt that ‘spreading knowledge’ revamps the lives of others, and they become the true followers of Ahlulbayt (a.s), and you are admired as a ‘Spiritual Guide’. I learnt how ‘following the teachings of the Ahlulbayt (a.s)’ makes you a distinguished and prominent personality. I learnt how ‘unity, kindness and generosity’ gives you an imminent status in this world and the hereafter. Most importantly I learnt, Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Syed Shamim Rizvi always conveyed that ‘submission to Allah swt’ is a fundamental command. Through regular and prompt Salat one flourishes a deep closeness to Allah swt. It purifies the heart and a believer truly attains spiritual devotion and moral
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elevation. It provides a means of repentance, and establishes one to learn patience, humility and sincerity.
to remember Mowlana’s teachings and implement them in our lives and the lives of others Inshallah.
May Allah swt elevate his position in Jannah, and aid us
Al- Fateha.
*****
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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Condolence message: Ayatuallah Ibrahim Amini
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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DON’T CRY BECAUSE IT’S OVER. SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED. Dr Syed Ahmed Abbas Razavi – grandson of Hujjat-ul-Islam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi My grandfather HIWM Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi (affectionately called Aghajoon) was my teacher, mentor and inspiration. I owe my success, as do many others, to his tutelage. His wisdom, logic and drive endeared him to so many Shia Muslims across the world. He affected people on a personal level. Each of the thousands of people who have expressed their condolences has a unique anecdote demonstrating what a loss his passing is to this world. A person is only truly gone from this world when they are no longer remembered so he will be with us for a long time yet, such was influence over so many. Success in life is being truly missed and remembered long after you are gone.
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I could fill volumes with the useful advice he gave me and I cherish each moment I spent with him. My grief is a natural response to the love and respect I had for him. Yet I know that if I do not use this grief to improve myself, he would be disappointed in me. Every moment was a learning opportunity for him. Never have I met a person so dedicated to education. The great aim of education is not knowledge but action. And Aghajoon led from the front. Fluency in seven languages, oratory excellence and a sharp-tongued wit were hallmarks of his intellect. He always encouraged me to pursue both religious and secular knowledge. I am naturally a shy person yet his guidance turned me into a capable public speaker. He would listen carefully to every
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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point of view, judging each argument on its merits rather than the age of the person speaking. Even when I chose to study medicine rather than attending Hawza he impressed upon me the importance of khidmat ul khalq (serving creation) and how important it was for me help other people. Even when he became seriously ill he would still ask me about my latest research and his inquisitive mind would challenge me with probing questions. I could add thousands of personal anecdotes to this article. But everyone has their own distinctive stories to tell about Aghajoon and remember him in their own way. I am just priviliged to have known him, regardless of being his grandson.
Missing someone gets easier every day. Even though it is one day further from the last time I saw him, it is one day closer to the next time I will.
ُ ﱡ ﺲ ٍ ﻛﻞ ﻧَ ْﻔ َ َِذآﺋ َ ﻖ ُة ْاﻟ ت ِ ﻤ ْﻮ “Every soul shall taste death” (Qur’an 3:185). When it is my turn I shall have done far less than what Aghajoon achieved. I will still leave this world smiling, hoping that I shall see him again.
When we are born, we cry and everyone smiles. We should live our lives so that when we die, everyone cries and we’re the only ones smiling. Aghajoon left the world smiling. I tell myself not to cry because he’s gone. I smile in remembrance of who he was.
***** َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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A WORD FROM THE PATRON Excerpt from the book ‘A Word from the Patron’ by Hujjat-ulIslam Maulana Syed Shamim-us-Sibtain Rizvi Pray for me. I do not know, only Allah (s.w.t.) knows if this will be my last Word from the Patron. Life and death, health and sickness are all in the hands of Allah (s.w.t.) who has given us the gift of life. For everything there is a fixed time and only Allah (s.w.t.) knows what is to come. Life’s end is death, though there are times for each of us when we think that we will live forever.
mourn and sigh deeply on their departure because of their work and intention. The bonds of relationship of kith and kin can be loosened but spiritual attachment for the sake of Allah (s.w.t.) cannot be forgotten. From my resting place, I ask you all to remember me in your prayers here and now and afterwards.
In the midst of a happy and productive life, we must all pause at times to consider that one day we must die. Death my face us, or strike us, without warning and we must consider that we may not see tomorrow’s sunrise. We must never be complacent. Our time may be short and it is so important to work for God as if each day is our last day. There is no doubt about the fact of death. It remains a fact of this world that who comes here, lives and dies. But we still
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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A SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES
َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3
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َاﺟﻌون ِ ِإﻧﱠﺎ ِ َو ِإﻧﱠـﺎ ِإﻟَ ْﯾ ِﮫ َر3