BonnieKoontz at 06:12, 19 April 2026

2026-04-19T06:12:05Z

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{{short description|Kashmiri religious leader(born 1975)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox religious biography
| religion = [[Islam]]
| era = [[Modern era]]
| honorific-prefix = Quaid-e-Itthad [[Maulana]] [[Allama]]
| name = Masroor Abbas Ansari
| native_name = مسرور عباس انصاری
| background = #ABE9CC
| honorific-suffix =
| image = 2024 Meeting of members, Srinagar.jpg
| image_size =
| caption =
| office1 = Chairman of [[Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen]]
| term_start1 = 27 October 2022
| term_end1 =
| predecessor1 = [[Mohammad Abbas Ansari]]
| successor1 =
| birth_name = Masroor Abbas Ansari
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|12|05|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| denomination = [[Usuli]]
| alma_mater = Ganghi College, Srinagar [[Kashmir University]] 
[[Houza Ilmia Qom]], Iran
| occupation = Religious Shia scholar and moderate separatist leader
| father = Mohammad Abbas Ansari
| children = 2 sons
| party = Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen
| region = [[Kashmir]]
| post = [[Cleric]] [[Jurist]] Shia Muslim leader
| sect = [[Pan Islamic Unity]] in Jammu and Kashmir
| known_for =
| Maddhab = [[Ja'fari jurisprudence|Ja`fari]]
| school_tradition =
| school = [[Twelver Shia]]
| main_interests = [[Islamic]] philosophy, [[Quran]]ic [[Tafsir|exegesis]], [[mantiq]], logic, [[tawhid]], [[Kashf al-Asrar]], [[tahrir al-wasilah]], [[Islamic Government: Governance of the Jurist|Islamic government]], [[Principles of Islamic jurisprudence|uṣūl al-fiqh]], [[nahj al-balagha]]
| notable_ideas =
| profession = [[Khatib|Khateeb]] and [[Imam of Friday Prayer]] of Majid Sajjadia Chattabal, Srinagar
| alias =
| relatives = [[Mustafa Hussain Ansari]] (uncle) [[Sajjad Haider|Sajjad Haider Ansari]] (cousin)
| location = Srinagar
| title = [[Maulana]] [[Allama]] [[Hujjat al-Islam|Hujjat-ul-Islam Wal Muslimeen]]
| period = 2015 – present
| works =
| influences = [[Muhammad Iqbal]] [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] [[Ali Khamenei]] [[Ali al-Sistani]] [[Syed Jawad Naqvi]]
| website = {{url|ittihadul.tripod.com}}
}}

'''[[Maulana]] Masroor Abbas Ansari''' is Kashmiri [[Twelver]] [[Shia]] scholar. He is also a [[cleric]], preacher, activist, theologian, religious and political leader in Indian-administered [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Senior Pro-Independence Leader and President Itehadul Muslim J&K Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari lead a rally at Chattabal Srinagar on Youm al Quds to express solidarity with the people of Palestine and other oppressed nations |url=https://wilayattimes.com/senior-pro-independence-leader-and-president-itehadul-muslim-jk-moulana-masroor-abbas-ansari-lead-a-rally-on-youm-al-quds-to-express-solidarity-with-the-people-of-palestine-and-other-oppressed-natio/ |website=wilayattimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Supporters of Masroor Abbas Ansari |url=https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/7939710di |website=[[Shutterstock]]}}</ref> He is the Chairman of [[Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen]] (JKIM), a [[Kashmiri nationalism|Kashmiri nationalist]] Shia political party that aims for [[Shia–Sunni relations|Shi'a–Sunni unity]] in Kashmir and is also a religious organization that conducts the [[Grand Ashura Procession In Kashmir|Grand Ashura Procession in Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2023 |title=Masroor Abbas Ansari hailed for promoting Muslim unity in IIOJK |url=https://www.kmsnews.org/kms/2023/01/30/masroor-abbas-ansari-hailed-for-promoting-muslim-unity-in-iiojk.html |website=kmsnews.org |access-date=7 July 2023 |archive-date=8 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708183726/https://www.kmsnews.org/kms/2023/01/30/masroor-abbas-ansari-hailed-for-promoting-muslim-unity-in-iiojk.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kashmiri Famous Shia Personalities, Important Shia Personalities |url=http://www.imamhussainresearch.com/personalities.php |website=Imam Hussain Research Centre}}</ref> He is a senior leader of the separatist [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]]. He is also one of the founder leaders of Majlis Ulema Immamia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2015 |title=Hurriyat: Its History, Role, and Relevance |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/hurriyat-its-history-role-and-relevance/ |access-date=13 May 2017 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2016 |title=Masroor Abbas condemns the killing spree |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/masroor-abbas-condemns-killing-spree/ |website=[[Greater Kashmir]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 February 2019 |title=Security of all 18 Hurriyat leaders, 155 politicians withdrawn |url=http://excelsiornews.com/security-of-all-18-hurriyat-leaders-155-politicians-withdrawn/ |website=[[Daily Excelsior]] |access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=25 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525082540/https://excelsiornews.com/security-of-all-18-hurriyat-leaders-155-politicians-withdrawn/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He succeeded his father [[Mohammad Abbas Ansari]] after his death.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 November 2020 |title=Maulana Abbas Ansari Bereaved |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2020/11/24/maulana-abbas-ansari-bereaved/ |website=[[Kashmir Observer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former Hurriyat chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari passes away |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/former-hurriyat-chairman-maulana-abbas-ansari-passes-away/cid/1894182 |website=[[Telegraph India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 October 2022 |title=Hurriyat 'dove' Maulana Abbas Ansari passes away |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/hurriyat-dove-maulana-abbas-ansari-passes-away-1156680.html |website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 October 2022 |title=Thousands Attend the Fateha Ceremony of Maulana Abbas Ansari |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2022/10/28/thousands-attend-fateha-ceremony-of-maulana-abbas-ansari/ |website=[[Kashmir Observer]]}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=9 July 2023 |title=Shia leader, others arrested from Srinagar hotel; police say 'attempt to revive JKLF & Hurriyat' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/Jul/09/shia-leader-others-arrested-from-srinagar-hotel-police-sayattempt-to-revive-jklf--hurriyat-2593100.html |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 July 2023 |title=Moulana Masroor Ansari detained along with others, claims the party |url=https://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/moulana-masroor-ansari-detained-along-with-others-claims-party/ |website=thekashmiriyat.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=9 July 2023 |title=Indian police arrest APHC leader Maulana Masroor Abbas in Srinagar |url=https://www.kmsnews.org/kms/2023/07/09/indian-police-arrest-aphc-leader-maulana-masroor-abbas-in-srinagar.html |website=kmsnews.org |access-date=11 July 2023 |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713041241/https://www.kmsnews.org/kms/2023/07/09/indian-police-arrest-aphc-leader-maulana-masroor-abbas-in-srinagar.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Ansari was born on 5 March 1971, in [[Downtown, Srinagar|Downtown Srinagar]].<ref name="Indian_Express">{{cite news |date=23 May 2002 |title=Hurriyat: A crowded house, a divided house |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/3160/ |accessdate=2009-07-02 |work=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> He graduated from [[Sri Pratap College]] in Srinagar and then went to [[University of Kashmir]]. Later, he traveled to Iran to study at the [[Qom Seminary]].<ref name=Indian_Express/>

== Career ==
After 14 years of study in Iran, Ansari returned to Kashmir in 2004 and started his religio-political activities. Soon he was elected the president of JKIM. He was the Sub Editor of the monthly [[Urdu]] magazine ''Safina'', which was published from [[Karan Nagar]], Srinagar. He is a senior leader of [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]]. He has been detained many times over the [[Kashmir conflict]]. On 9 July 2023, he was detained again.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web |date=31 August 2020 |title=Masroor Abbas Released from House Detention |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2020/08/31/masroor-abbas-released-from-house-detention/ |website=[[Kashmir Observer]]}}</ref>

Ansari, said that the police action against peaceful mourners on and before [[Ashura]] in 2022 is reprehensible and that the government's assertion of taking action during the pandemic is false, as participants were following all SOPs.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2016 |title=Molvi Masroor Abbas Ansari has condemned the excessive use of PAVA in Downtown localities in Srinagar |url=http://www.kashmirnewsobserver.com/jammu-and-kashmir/molvi-masroor-abbas-ansari-has-condemned-the-excessive-use-of-pava-in-downtown-localities-in-srinagar-kno-1324 |website=Kashmir News Observer}}</ref>

===Educational upliftment===
Masroor Abbas worked for the upliftment of the educational level of Shia community in the [[Kashmir Valley]]. In the initial stages when he returned to Kashmir, Masroor organized different classes to teach different subjects especially ethics in modest rooms at different places, the impact of his words was immense, as he imparted the teachings of the Islamic religion to these eager minds. Additionally, he selflessly collaborated with other Islamic organizations to further advance their shared goals in this noble endeavor. Maulana Masroor in his [[Friday prayer]] sermons mostly stressed on education and in his lectures, he shed light on how important education is for the successful society. Maulana Masroor organized and participated into number of educational conferences and seminars to propagate the values of education. He also participated in educational conferences of different colleges as representative of Shia community. Masroor has emphasised the teaching of [[kalam]].

He is also one of the founders of Majlis Ulema Immamia, an amalgam of all Shia clerics of Jammu and Kashmir.

==Politics==
{{See also|Kashmir conflict|Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir}}

=== 2016 ===
[[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]] leaders [[Mirwaiz Umar Farooq]], Ansari and [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]] were arrested after they tried to lead a march towards [[Eidgah Assembly constituency|Eidgah]] in Srinagar. Thousands of people protested against their arrest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raafi |first=Muhammad |date=2016-08-26 |title=#Day49: Mirwaiz Umar, Masroor Abbas Detained |url=https://kashmirlife.net/day49-mirwaiz-umar-masroor-abbas-detained-115922/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[Kashmir Life]]}}</ref>

===2018===
On 15 October 2018, a day after Ansari was again detained by the police during local elections, thousands of Shias from Mirgund, Rambail, Matipora and its adjoining areas staged a protest while blocking the [[Srinagar–Muzaffarabad Bus|Srinagar Muzaffarbad Highway]] at Mirgund Pattan on Sunday.

===2019===
{{Main|2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown}}

Ansari, [[Abdul Gani Bhat]] and Bilal Lone were denied permission to meet Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, after he had been detained under house arrest following the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|abrogation of Article 370]] on 5 August 2019 at his [[Nigeen Lake|Nigeen]] residence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wani |first=Fayaz |date=2021-07-29 |title=Hurriyat demands release of Mirwaiz, alleges no one allowed to meet him |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/Jul/29/hurriyat-demands-release-of-mirwaiz-alleges-no-one-allowed-to-meet-him-2337317.html |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

In September 2019, Molana Masroor Abbas was also put under house arrest on Ashura. Thousands of his followers protested against the detention. [[Jammu and Kashmir Police]] would later release Ansari in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-31 |title=Masroor Abbas Released From House Detention |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2020/08/31/masroor-abbas-released-from-house-detention/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[Kashmir Observer]]}}</ref>

===2023===
Ansari hailed the decision of [[Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir]] [[Manoj Sinha]]<ref>{{cite web |date=27 July 2023 |title=Historic 8th Muharram Procession Takes Place in Kashmir Valley After 34 Years |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/07/27/historic-8th-muharram-procession-takes-place-in-kashmir-valley-after-34-years/ |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=The Chenab Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=27 July 2023 |title=Muharram Procession Held First Time After 34 Years in Srinagar: LG Manoj Sinha |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/muharram-procession-held-first-time-after-34-years-in-srinagar-lg-manoj-sinha/ |access-date=27 July 2023 |website=[[Daily Excelsior]]}}</ref> to lift the 34 year old ban on [[Muharram in Kashmir|Muharram 8th procession]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=After 3 decades, J&K allows Muharram procession |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/srinagar/after-3-decades-jk-allows-muharram-procession-8862262/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=Muharram 2023 {{!}} Shia Muslims Carry Out Muharram Procession in Srinagar, Permission After 3 Decades |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/videos/times-now/india/muharram-2023-shia-muslims-carry-out-muharram-procession-in-srinagar-permission-after-3-decades-video-102154498 |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[Times Now]]}}</ref>

On 9th Muharram, he urged the authorities to release all religious leaders, lift the ban on the traditional Ashura processions and allow Friday prayers at Srinagar's historic [[Jamia Masjid, Srinagar|Jamia Masjid]] without any hindrance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-28 |title=Masroor Credits Those Who Fought For 8th Muharram Route |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/07/28/masroor-credits-those-who-fought-for-8th-muharram-route/ |access-date=2024-03-05 |website=[[Kashmir Observer]]}}</ref> In 2023, Ashura processions in Kashmir were held in Srinigar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Tahir |date=2024-07-15 |title=Molana Masroor Abbas Ansari exclusive speaking to JK News Today in Srinagar |url=https://jknewstoday.com/molana-masroor-abbas-ansari-exclusive-speaking-to-jk-news-today-in-srinagar/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=JK News Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

Several JKIM leaders were expelled from the party by Ansari after they joined the [[Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party]] led by [[Altaf Bukhari]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peerzada |first=Ashiq |date=2023-09-12 |title=J&K Apni Party in talks with Hurriyat leaders to join party: sources |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/jk-apni-party-in-talks-with-hurriyat-leaders-to-join-party-sources/article67299453.ece/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Apni Party appoints former separatist leader as vice president |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/apni-party-appoints-former-separatist-leader-as-vice-president-2683414 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=[[Deccan Herald]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2025===
In 2025, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] under [[Amit Shah]] declared two Jammu and Kashmir-based separatist political parties -- [[Awami Action Committee]] headed by Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKIM headed by Ansari -- as unlawful associations and banned them for promoting the [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref> [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/centre-bans-mirwaizs-awami-action-committee-jk-ittihadul-muslimeen-for-five-years/amp Centre bans Mirwaiz's Awami Action Committee, JK Ittihadul Muslimeen for five years]. [[Tribune India|''Tribune India'']].</ref><ref>[https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/jammu-and-kashmir/srinagar/amit-shah-bans-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-aac-and-masroor-abbas-ansari-jkim-in-jk/articleshow/118913085.cms Amit Shah bans Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's AAC and Masroor Abbas Ansari's JKIM in JK]. [[Navbharat Times|''Navbharat Times'']].</ref><ref>[https://www.news18.com/india/centre-bans-awami-action-committee-j-k-ittihadul-muslimeen-for-5-years-9258199.html Centre bans Awami Action Committee, JK Ittihadul Muslimeen for 5 years]. [[News18.com]].</ref><ref>[https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2025/03/11/jk-centre-bans-mirwaizs-aac-masroor-abass-ansaris-jkim-under-uapa.html JK: Centre bans Mirwaiz's AAC, Masroor Abass Ansari's JKIM under UAPA]. [[The Week (Indian magazine)|''The Week'']]. 11 March 2025.</ref><ref>[https://www.asianage.com/nation/mha-bans-2-jk-organisations-for-5-years-1866332 MHA bans 2 JK organisations for 5 years]. [[The Asian Age|''The Asian Age'']].</ref>

==See also==
* [[Mohammad Abbas Ansari]]
* [[Mustafa Hussain Ansari]]
* [[Ghulam Rasool Noori]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://ittihadul.tripod.com/ Lectures and speeches of Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari]

[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Indian Shia clerics]]
[[Category:Kashmiri Muslims]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian Muslims]]
[[Category:Politicians from Srinagar]]
[[Category:Kashmiri independence activists]]
[[Category:University of Kashmir alumni]]
[[Category:Qom Seminary alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian educators]]
[[Category:Activists from Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Twelvers]]
[[Category:Kashmiri Islamists]]
[[Category:Indian imams]]
[[Category:Muslim scholars of Islamic jurisprudence]]
[[Category:Writers from Srinagar]]

Masroor Abbas Ansari - Revision history

BonnieKoontz at 06:12, 19 April 2026