Maulana Zamir Abbas Jafri Returns from Iran as a New Voice of Love and Humanity, Receives Warm Welcome in Lucknow
Lucknow | By Shabu Zaidi
Lucknow: During the period of heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, when national and international media were filled with diverse narratives and discussions, Maulana Zamir Abbas Jafri, originally from Mumbai, Maharashtra, and currently serving as a professor and scholar at Al-Mustafa International University in Qom, Iran, emerged as a prominent Islamic scholar. Through his lectures and video messages, he sought to spread the values of humanity, peace, interfaith dialogue, and truth.
Maulana Zamir Abbas Jafri has been living in Iran for several years, where he is engaged in higher Islamic education and teaching. During his recent visit to India, he delivered two majlis (religious gatherings) during a brief stay in Lucknow. A distinctive feature of his addresses was his open invitation to Sunni Muslims and people from all backgrounds to engage in constructive dialogue after the gatherings, promoting mutual understanding, unity, and brotherhood.
While addressing one of the majlis in Lucknow, Maulana Jafri said that worship alone is not sufficient; rather, Muslims must adopt “Practical Islam” in their daily lives. He explained that Imam Hussain refused to pledge allegiance (Bay’ah) to Yazid despite having only a small number of companions and sacrificed his life, along with the lives of his followers, to protect the true principles of Islam.
Referring to a historical narration, he said that after the tragedy of Karbala, when Lady Zainab passed through a place where some people wished to offer condolences for the martyrs, she asked them where they had been when Imam Hussain, his family, and his companions were being martyred after enduring three days of thirst and hunger.
Maulana Jafri emphasized that the message of Karbala is to stand against oppression and injustice in every era and never surrender before tyranny. He stated that Islam is not limited to offering prayers and fasting; raising one’s voice against injustice and oppression is also an essential part of Islamic teachings.
The affection and respect shown towards Maulana Jafri in Lucknow were clearly visible. People from different religions and communities expressed a desire to meet him. Several members of the Sanatan community also appreciated his views. Among them was the writer’s friend, Professor Akash, along with many others who wished to meet him. However, due to his busy schedule and his planned return to Iran, such meetings could not take place.
Maulana Zamir Abbas Jafri’s simplicity, humility, spirit of dialogue, and warm interaction with people from all walks of life have deeply impressed those who met him. Many believe that if the message of love, humanity, and mutual respect continues to spread in this manner, it can inspire a positive transformation in society.
The growing admiration for Maulana Zamir Abbas Jafri in Lucknow is seen as a sign that he is not only a respected religious scholar but also an emerging ambassador of dialogue, unity, and humanity.