Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
The renowned Aga family of Kashmir traces its roots to the Budgam district, a region known for its spiritual legacy and cultural depth. The family’s noble lineage began with Hakeem Syed Hyder, a revered spiritual healer and guide, who settled in Budgam approximately 150 years ago. Through his wisdom and piety, he became a beacon of hope and enlightenment for the local populace.
His son, Aga Syed Mehdi, carried forward this luminous legacy by pursuing religious studies in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — a revered center of Shia scholarship. Upon his return, he emerged as a leading religious authority and an emblem of spiritual guidance within the Shia community of Kashmir.
Today, the spiritual stewardship continues through his descendant, the present-day Aga Sahab, who is recognized as the spiritual leader of the Shias in the region. His leadership embodies the values of knowledge, compassion, and service to humanity — principles deeply rooted in the family’s traditions.
In honor of this illustrious lineage, Budgam’s main market is named after one of its most distinguished sons — Aga Syed Yusuf Al-Mousavi — a towering religious figure known for his piety, intellect, and dedication to communal harmony. The Aga family’s enduring contributions to faith, education, and spirituality remain a cornerstone of Budgam’s identity and Kashmir’s spiritual heritage.
Among the shining stars of this noble family was Baqir Sahab, a man of immense knowledge, humility, and spiritual depth. He was more than a teacher or scholar — he was a silent reformer whose actions spoke louder than words, and whose presence brought calmness to hearts around him.
I had the privilege of studying Arabic grammar under his guidance when I had taken Arabic as an additional subject up to 12th grade. From the very beginning, his calm demeanor, polite conduct, and refined character left an everlasting impact on me. Despite being from the Sunni community, he always treated me with immense respect and grace, reflecting the true essence of Islamic brotherhood that transcends sectarian boundaries.
Authors, I’ve observed, often carry a light-hearted yet profound personality, and Baqir Sahab was no exception. He believed in guiding through written words rather than loud speeches. I never saw him raise his voice — neither during academic discussions nor while delivering Islamic sermons on Fridays or during religious occasions. His tone was always calm, composed, and full of wisdom — enough to touch hearts and move souls.
Baqir Sahab was a man of profound spiritual insight — a preacher (wa’iz), a prolific author (musanif), and a spiritually enlightened personality (roohani shakhsiyat). His sermons carried the fragrance of divine love, and his writings reflected the wisdom of centuries. Rare are such personalities who dedicate themselves entirely to ilm (knowledge) and tazkiyah (inner purification).
One of his most remarkable — yet underappreciated — contributions was his deep scholarly work on Ijtihad and the poetry of Allama Iqbal. His research displayed a perfect blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual insight. Unfortunately, his work did not receive the recognition it truly deserved. This was not due to its lack of depth or brilliance, but rather a reflection of his ascetic lifestyle (faqeerana mizaj) and his conscious avoidance of publicity or self-promotion. He firmly held onto this principle until his final days.
His reflections on Ijtihad were not abstract theories but timely discussions rooted in practical reality — addressing the need for dynamic interpretation of Islamic thought in modern times. His interpretations of Iqbal’s poetry unveiled deeper layers of meaning, linking the poet-philosopher’s vision with the spiritual revival of the Ummah, selfhood (khudi), and the yearning for divine connection.
Despite such profound contributions, Baqir Sahab remained a humble servant of knowledge. He sought neither fame nor position. He remained hidden, yet enlightened; silent, yet influential. His life teaches us that true greatness does not need applause — it only requires sincerity, patience, and a deep connection with the Almighty.
May Allah grant him the highest ranks in Jannah, accept his scholarly efforts as sadaqah jariyah (ongoing charity), and continue to bless the Aga family — the custodians of a rich spiritual and intellectual heritage. Baqir Sahab was not just a person — he was an institution, a light that quietly illuminated the path for many. Though he has left this world, his legacy lives on — in hearts, in thoughts, and in the timeless wisdom he imparted.
(The author is a distinguished educational columnist, motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected])
