History Of Imam Bargha Atiya Ahlaibait (A.S)

Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait (A.S) is counted among the oldest and most spiritual Imambargahs in Lahore. It holds a unique and esteemed position in the commemoration of the martyrdom of Sayyid al-Shuhada (Imam Husayn, A.S.). This Imambargah was established in 1963 by Dr. and Mrs. Syed Riaz Ali Shah, under the patronage of the Proof of Allah on Earth, Imam al-Zaman (A.J.).

Dr. Syed Riaz Ali Shah was a renowned ophthalmologist in Lahore and the driving force behind this Imambargah. He not only founded it but also nurtured it with great dedication, turning it into a spiritual hub where thousands of mourners gather to observe the rituals of Aza in memory of Imam Husayn (A.S.). The first ten days of Muharram hold special significance at this Imambargah, with daily Majalis being conducted. On the 9th of Muharram, the Shabih of the Zarih of Imam Husayn (A.S.), Zuljanah, and the Alam are taken out in a solemn procession. Dr. Riaz Ali Shah remained dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Azadari until his final breath. He passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering devotion. May Allah count him among the humble servants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Holy Progeny (A.S.). Following his demise, Mrs. Syed Riaz Ali Shah and his sons & family assumed responsibility and have continued his legacy with profound dedication, making significant contributions to the Imambargah to this very day. May the Almighty bless her with good health, and may her presence remain a source of guidance and support until the reappearance of Imam al-Zaman (A.J.T.F.).

For the first three years after its establishment, Majalis during the first ten days of Muharram were held after Maghribain prayers. However, in 1965, a distinctive change was introduced—Majalis were rescheduled to early morning after sunrise. This unique timing became a hallmark of Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait , and over time, it attracted a large number of mourners who would head to the Imambargah after offering Fajr prayers. The majlis ends before the office time so that people can easily join their offices after attending the majlis.

Many distinguished scholars have had the honor of delivering Majalis at this Imambargah. Among the most prominent were Allama Hafiz Kifayat Hussain who started addressing the Majalis in 1963 and Allama Muhammad Bashir Ansari (Fateh Taxila), whose Majalis are still remembered with great reverence. He was regarded as one of the eminent scholars of Pakistan. His eloquence and depth of knowledge captivated his audience, and his discourses on Imamate, the philosophy of Shari’ah, the Qur’an and Ahlulbayt left an everlasting impact. He addressed the Muharram Majalis for 17 years (1965- 1982), before passing away. Following his demise, in 1983, the renowned scholar Allama Talib Johari (late) took over the responsibility of delivering Muharram Majalis at Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait. This was his first Muharram series in Lahore, which received widespread acclaim. In 1986, after the passing of Dr. Riaz Ali Shah, Allama Talib Johari visited Lahore specifically to deliver his Qul & Chehlum Majalis.

Between 1984 and 1986, Allama Syed Ali Raza Naqvi addressed the Majalis, followed by Maulana Muhammad Musa Najafi from 1987 to 1990. In 1991, Shaheed Allama Syed Taqi Hadi delivered sermons at this Imambargah. Several esteemed scholars have graced Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait with their presence, including:

• Allama Hassan Zafar Amrohi

• Allama Hafiz Zulfiqar Ali Shah (in 1969)

• Allama Zohair Abidi

  
  

In 1992, a young scholar, Professor Allama Syed Zulfiqar Hussain Naqvi (late), delivered his first Muharram Majalis at Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait. It seemed as though his name had been divinely destined to be associated with this sacred place. Over 29 years, his addresses elevated the spiritual essence of the Majalis to unparalleled heights. His measured tone and profound eloquence attracted mourners from every corner of Lahore, who would eagerly attend his discourses. The spirituality and depth of grief associated with this Imambargah were further intensified by Allama Zulfiqar Hussain Naqvi’s presence. His narration of the sufferings of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) held a unique attraction that became his hallmark. On the 6th of Muharram, he would recount the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali Akbar (A.S.), a majlis that turned the Imambargah into a scene of immense sorrow and mourning. The association of 6th Muharram with Hazrat Ali Akbar (A.S.) became so deeply rooted in the hearts of mourners that Allama Naqvi would simply begin with:

“Today is the 6th of Muharram, a day for the youth to cry and wail , a day of mourning for youthful martyrdom.”

Before he could complete his sentence, the entire Imambargah would resound with cries of grief.

On 9th Muharram, he would narrate the departure of Imam Husayn (A.S.) for battle and his martyrdom, bringing the mourners to tears and wails, as the Shabih-E-Zuljanah was taken out in procession. Allama Syed Zulfiqar Hussain Naqvi continued to deliver Majalis at this Imambargah until 2020, before passing away in 2021. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah (Ameen).

Since 2021, Allama Syed Absar Ali Naqvi has taken on the responsibility of delivering the Muharram Majalis at Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait. For the past three years, he has been fulfilling this sacred duty with great dedication. May Allah bless Allama Absar Naqvi and all the organizers of Imambargah Atiya Ahlebait with strength and prosperity, granting them further opportunities to continue the mission of Azadari (Ameen).

Labbaik Ya Hussain (A.S)