Al Baqee Conference in Lucknow, India

Diverse Voices for a Shared Cause

Political Advocacy

• Aga Roohullah Mehdi (MP, Srinagar): As a Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Mr. Aga Mehdi brought a strong political dimension to the conference. His speech emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts and governmental intervention to address the restoration of Jannat al-Baqee. He urged policymakers to recognize the site's cultural and religious significance, framing it as a matter of justice that transcends borders.

• Hanifa Jan (MP, Ladakh): Representing Ladakh, Mr. Hanifa Jan complemented Mr. Aga Mehdi’s call with his own plea for governmental action. His presence underscored the issue’s relevance across diverse regions of India, amplifying the demand for official support and international dialogue to rectify the historical wrong.

Spiritual Leadership

• Syed Fazle Moin Chishty (Mission-e-Ahlebaith Ajmer Sharif): A respected spiritual leader from Ajmer Sharif, Fazle Moin Chishty focused on the profound spiritual loss caused by the cemetery’s destruction. His address highlighted the emotional and religious void left in the Muslim community, urging collective action rooted in faith and devotion to restore this sacred heritage.

• Sh. Mansoor Khan (National President, Sufi Islamic Board): Sh. Mansoor Khan provided a broader Sufi perspective, emphasizing unity and peace as core principles in the fight for Baqee’s restoration. His speech connected the cause to the Sufi tradition of compassion and justice, inspiring attendees to see it as a spiritual mission as much as a historical one.

Interfaith Solidarity

• Dr. Sufi Raj Jain (Founder, Sarv Dharam Khawaja Mandir): Dr. Jain’s participation was a standout moment, showcasing interfaith support for the cause. As a non-Muslim leader, his powerful speech framed the restoration of Jannat al-Baqee as a universal duty that transcends religious boundaries. He stressed the importance of preserving sacred sites as a shared human responsibility, fostering a sense of solidarity among diverse attendees.

Scholarly and Theological Insights

• Moulana Dr. Kalbe Rushaid Rizvi: A prominent Shia scholar, Moulana Rizvi brought historical depth to the discussion. His address traced the significance of Jannat al-Baqee, detailing its role as the resting place of revered figures in Islamic history, and called for its restoration to honor that legacy.

• Kamran Hyder (Islamic Scholar, Hyderabad): Mr. Hyder enriched the conversation with theological insights, exploring the religious implications of the cemetery’s destruction. His scholarly approach provided a framework for understanding the issue’s gravity within Islamic doctrine, rallying support from an intellectual standpoint.

• Dr. Qudsi Rizvi (Speaker, Writer, Dept. of English): Also representing the Shia community, Dr. Rizvi combined historical analysis with eloquent oration. As an academic from the Department of English, he bridged scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, making the case for rebuilding resonate with scholars and general audiences.

Anchoring the Narrative

• Dr. Abbas Raza Nayyar Jalalpuri (Head of Urdu Department, Lucknow University): Serving as the program’s anchor, Dr. Jalalpuri ensured a seamless and cohesive flow to the event. His academic background and command of Urdu enriched the proceedings, providing context and continuity to the diverse speeches. His role was pivotal in tying together the various perspectives into a unified narrative for justice and restoration.

  The presence of nationally recognized journalists such as Ali Abbas Naqvi (NDTV) and Syed Rizwan Mustafa (Tahalka Today) further elevated the visibility of the cause, lending journalistic integrity and broader media reach to the proceedings.