Syed Ali Nasir Saeed Abaqati
Syed Ali Nasir Saeed Abaqati Musavi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Other names | Roohul Millat, Agha Roohi |
| Occupation(s) | Shia cleric, Islamic scholar |
| Known for | Religious lectures (majalis), leadership in Shia community affairs |
Syed Ali Nasir Saeed Abaqati Musavi, popularly referred to as Roohul Millat and Agha Roohi, is a Shia cleric based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, distinguished by his unique beard and candid oratory style.
Family background
Agha Roohi belongs to the esteemed scholarly lineage of Syed Mir Hamid Hussain Musavi, the author of `Abaqat al'anwar fi imamat al 'A'immat al'athar, a seminal work revered among Twelver Shi'a scholars worldwide. His ancestry traces back to Syed Mohammad Quli Khan and ultimately to Muhammad through Imam Musa al-Kazim, as indicated by the "Musavi" surname. His family, including his father Saeed-ul-Millat Syed Mohammad Saeed and grandfather Syed Nasir-ul-Millat, commands considerable respect in Lucknow. Their origins lie in Kintoor, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.
His majalis (religious lectures)
As a fervent advocate of Tabarra, he openly condemns those who opposed Hussainiyat and were responsible for Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.
Agha Roohi leads the ashra-e-majalis—a series of ten-day commemorative religious gatherings marking Imam Hussain’s sacrifice—held at Shia PG College in Nakhas during mornings and at Afzal Mahal in the evenings. Additionally, he presides over a majlis at Karbala Talkatora, the site where the annual procession of the taboot—representing the mortal remains of Maula Ali—concludes on the 21st night of Ramadan, a tradition reinstated in 1999 following the lifting of a prior prohibition. He also frequently conducts majalis beyond Lucknow, including locations such as Allahabad.
Involvement in community matters, demonstrations and rallies
- He has been active in matters concerning the Mazar-e-Shahid Salis, Agra.
- Known for his long-term political engagement with Shia issues, in 1969 he collaborated with Moulana Dr. Kalbe Sadiq and held a press conference alongside Jana Sangh leader Nanaji Deshmukh to shed light on sectarian hardships. Serving as President of the All India Shia Husaini Council in 1993, he aligned with the BJP.
- In 2002, he spearheaded 'Anti Terrorism Week,' organizing protests and burning effigies of figures such as Osama bin Laden, Mulla Omar, Pervez Musharraf, along with the flag of Pakistan.
- After being dismissed from the board of Shia College, Lucknow in 2006, he voiced opposition to that year’s issuance of the 'new model nikahnama' by the All India Shia Personal Law Board.
- He attributed responsibility for the 2006–2007 attacks on the Al-Askari Mosque in Iraq to the actions of al-Qaeda.
- In 2009, amid resistance to the Law Commission’s recommendations on bigamy by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Agha Roohi called for constructive dialogue between legislators and religious leaders.
- On 14 November 2010, together with cleric Kalbe Jawad, he attempted to prevent a Sunday meeting of Shia PG College trustees; their subsequent preventive detention led to public protests.
- On 19 June 2014, he organized a rally at Dargah Hazrat Abbas, Lucknow, condemning killings perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, denouncing ISIS as a global menace demanding Muslim solidarity.
- In April 2017, he pledged to eradicate cow slaughter.
- In 2019, along with leading Shia clerics such as Maulana Kalbe Jawad and Maulana Saif Abbas, he endorsed a memorandum advocating for safeguarding the heritage of the 235-year-old Bara Imambara complex.
- In 2020, collaborating with other prominent Shia figures including Maulana Kalbe Sadiq and Maulana Yasoob Abbas, he appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India for urgent restoration efforts at the centrally protected monument Imambara Sibtainabad.
Distinguished Scholar Voices Concern Regarding Present Conditions
He remarked that had governmental and religious authorities exercised prudent judgment, the nation’s current circumstances would likely be different. Maulana Agha Roohi admits that this may not be an ideal moment to critique political figures; however, remaining silent about these issues disregards the rights of those suffering. The hardships endured by millions of laborers, the impoverished, and the unemployed reveal a significant disconnect between the promises made by leaders and their actual deeds. As these workers linger uncertainly at transit points, the country appears to be heading toward a precarious future.
Family
His eldest son, Maulana Syed Abbas Nasir Saeed Abaqati (born 1986), pursuing a doctorate in Shia theology, engaged in combat against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) during the July 2014 conflicts in Iraq while studying at Najaf University. Currently, he delivers majlis at Shia College throughout the first ten days of Muharram and holds the position of president at Anjuman Moinuzzaireen, which oversees Mazaar-e-Shaheed-e-Saalis. His younger sibling, Syed Murtaza Nasir Saeed, fulfills the role of secretary, whereas their uncles Maulana Syed Sajjad Nasir Saeed Abaqati and Syed Husain Nasir Saeed act as patron and Mutawalli, respectively.
See also
External links
- Shia Sunni clash in Lucknow during Muharram, 18 December 2010 – 11:04 pm