From his early years, Moulana Ansari inherited the pulpit of his great family of scholars and custodians of Hussainiat. Yet, he took that legacy to heights never imagined before.

By Kifayat Hussainee

History occasionally gifts us men whose lives redefine courage, vision, and service. They are not remembered merely for the years they lived, but for the impact they left on generations. Among such towering personalities stands Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, a man who seamlessly united pulpit and politics, faith and reform, sacrifice and service. His life was a shining example of steadfastness, and his absence remains one of the greatest voids in the history of Kashmiri leadership.

He was not just a cleric, not just a politician, not just a social worker—he was all of these and far more. His unflinching devotion to Azadari, his resilience in the face of danger, his tireless efforts for community development, and his ability to fight battles alone when others hesitated, made him a leader unparalleled in every sense.

The Religious Torchbearer of Kashmir

From his early years, Moulana Ansari inherited the pulpit of his great family of scholars and custodians of Hussainiat. Yet, he took that legacy to heights never imagined before. His oratory was a masterpiece of knowledge, passion, and relevance. His majalis were more than mourning gatherings, they were platforms of awakening, where he reminded people that Imam Hussain (A.S.) was not just a memory of Karbala but a living symbol of resistance, dignity, and truth.

Through his speeches, he inspired thousands to stay rooted in faith while embracing education, awareness, and progress. His ability to merge centuries-old traditions with modern realities made him a reformer within the religious sphere. He gave Azadari strength, meaning, and protection, standing like a shield whenever attempts were made to silence the voice of Hussain (A.S.) in Kashmir.

The Fighter Who Never Bowed

Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari’s life was not free from danger. His growing influence in politics, religion, and society naturally attracted enemies. He faced multiple assassination attempts, but every time, he emerged stronger, more determined, and more resilient. Each survival was not just a personal victory but a statement that truth cannot be silenced by bullets or bombs.

Even when he was forced to fight alone, abandoned by allies or surrounded by adversaries, he never compromised on his principles. His courage was not situational, it was inherent, unflinching, and deeply rooted in his faith in Imam Hussain (A.S.).

A Political Visionary and Voice of the Marginalized

In the political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, Moulana Ansari was a unique figure. Unlike many clerics who distanced themselves from governance, he believed that religion and politics were not separate but complementary, both meant to serve humanity and safeguard justice.

He entered the political sphere with determination and rose to become a Cabinet Minister, handling crucial portfolios with distinction. His presence in government was not about power, but about representation for the voiceless, especially the Shia community, which often felt marginalized in the state’s political structure.

He was respected even by his opponents for his clarity, decisiveness, and oratory. His speeches in the legislative assembly carried the same fire as his sermons in the Imambara, full of conviction, knowledge, and authority.

Developmental Works Building for the Future

Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari was a builder of institutions, roads, schools, and dreams. His commitment to development went far beyond promises. He worked tirelessly for:

Educational Empowerment:He encouraged modern and religious education alike, establishing and supporting schools, colleges, and seminaries to uplift the younger generation.

Community Welfare:From healthcare to housing, he directed resources towards the marginalized, ensuring orphans, widows, and the poor were not left behind.

Infrastructure:Roads, connectivity, and public works flourished under his initiatives, especially in Shia-dominated regions where development had long been neglected.

Youth Empowerment:He constantly urged the younger generation to pursue knowledge, political awareness, and leadership, sowing seeds for a self-reliant community.

He was not merely a religious guide but also a visionary reformer who understood that spirituality without empowerment leads to weakness, and empowerment without faith leads to aimlessness.

Azadari, The Core of His Existence

No account of Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari is complete without acknowledging his unparalleled devotion to Azadari and Hussainiat. For him, Azadari was not just a ritual, it was a movement, a resistance, and a source of dignity.

He ensured that Azadari in Kashmir not only survived but thrived, despite restrictions, threats, and attempts to weaken it. He was the pillar of Muharram gatherings, majalis, and processions, giving every mourner confidence that their tears were protected under his guardianship.

His name became synonymous with Hussainiat in Kashmir. He embodied the spirit of Karbala, courage against tyranny, sacrifice for truth, and loyalty to the cause of Imam Hussain (A.S.).

An Irreplaceable Loss

On 30 September 2014, when Moulana Ansari left this world, Kashmir lost not just a leader but its most fearless protector. The grief that engulfed the valley was beyond description. The void he left remains unfilled till today, no voice has matched his authority, no leader has risen to his stature, no figure has carried the same weight of faith and politics combined.

The community felt the change immediately, a silence where once his voice roared, a vulnerability where once his presence provided protection. Truly, such men are born once in centuries.

Imran Raza Ansari: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Late Molvi Sahab

Though his departure created an irreplaceable vacuum, his mission did not die with him. His son, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, has taken upon himself the responsibility to carry forward the torch of his father. Both in the religious and political arenas,Molvi Imran Raza Ansari strives to continue his father’s work, ensuring community empowerment, protecting Azadari, and representing people with sincerity.

While no one can rise to the standards set by Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, the continuation of his mission by his family ensures that his vision remains alive and relevant.

A Legacy That Lives Forever

Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari was more than a man, he was an institution, a movement, and a legacy. His life was marked by resilience, sacrifice, and vision. He survived assassinations, fought lonely battles, defended faith, built institutions, uplifted his people, and left behind a community stronger than he inherited.

No one has ever risen to his standards till date. His absence is felt in every majlis, every gathering, every political discourse. Yet, his spirit continues to inspire, reminding us that true leadership is service, that true courage is standing alone if necessary, and that true devotion is never compromising on Hussainiat.

Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari will forever remain the pride of Kashmir, the guardian of Azadari, and the immortal voice of Hussain (A.S.) in our times.