Mirza Mohammed Athar

Mirza Mohammad Athar (9 September 1936 – 26 February 2016) was an Indian Shia Muslim scholar and religious speaker. He was known as Khateeb-e-Akbar (The Great Orator).

 Early life and education 
Mirza Athar was born in Lucknow, which was then part of the United Provinces in British India. His father’s name was Mirza Mohammad Tahir. 

He studied at Sultan-ul-Madaris in Lucknow and received the degree of Sadr-ul-Afazil. Later, he went to Lucknow University, where he earned a master’s degree in Persian Literature.

 Work 
Mirza Athar became a well-known speaker and scholar of Twelver Shia Islam. He gave religious speeches (majlis) in many parts of India and other countries, including Pakistan, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.  
In 2005, he was chosen as the first president of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB).

In 2008, he completed 50 years of continuous Muharram recitations in Mumbai, a rare achievement for a religious orator.

 Death 
Mirza Mohammad Athar died on 26 February 2016 in New Delhi. He was buried in Lucknow at Karbala Imdad Hussain Khan, Rajajipuram, beside his father’s grave. 

Thousands of people attended his funeral, including the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, and many religious scholars.

 Legacy 
His first death anniversary was observed on 26 February 2017 at Bada Imambada, Lucknow. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Ram Naik, attended the event. Scholars like Maulana Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi from Pakistan and poet Rehan Azmi also participated.

His son, Mirza Yaqoob Abbas, is a Shia activist based in Lucknow.

 References 
 The Milli Gazette: Personal Law Boards Galore
 The Asian Age: Shia leader Athar passes away
 Times of India: Thousands bid farewell to Maulana Athar
 Jagran ePaper: Mirza Athar’s First Death Anniversary
 Times of India: Hindu professor to host 50th majlis

Category:Indian Shia clerics
Category:Scholars from Lucknow
Category:1936 births
Category:2016 deaths
Category:Indian Muslims
Category:Indian religious leaders
Category:Indian people stubs