Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori born in Gangoo Pulwama Kashmir is a Shia Muslim alim and cleric. He is known for his religious lectures, especially during the Muslim month of Muharram, as well as his addressing of social issues through Islamic Philosophy. Noori is wakil of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Kashmir. Before becoming a religious scholar and theologian he was working as lecturer.
Education
Noori is highly educated scholar from Kashmir valley. Noori preliminary studied under the guidance of his father who was known religious scholar of his time. After that he went to Banaras India for higher studies where he studied in Jawadia Arabic College under the guidance of Ayatollah Syed Zafrul Hasan Rizvi. Noori is Fazil from Allahabad Board UP India and is Fakhr-ul-afazil from Jawadia Arabic College Banaras UP India. He has also received the degree of MA from Banaras Hindu University. He subsequently went to Iran for the studies of Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic theology, where he studied under the guidance of famous scholars of that time Aaqa Aatimadi, Aaqa Wijdani and Aaqa Payane.
Positions
Noori is chairman and president of the Jammu and Kashmir Ahl-e-Bait Foundation. He is also the patron of Idara Nashri Uloom Ahlulbait Kashmir and was ex-vice principal of Jamia Elmia Imam Reza Srinagar.
Works
Maulana Sheikh Gh Rasool Noori while delivering a lecture in College of Education Srinagar Maulana Sheikh Gh Rasool Noori while delivering lecture on Quranic exegesis at Iqbal Khomeini Hall srinagar. Noori is known for his workings around Kashmir valley. From 1990 when he returned from Qum, He organized Islamic educational classes for the common people, young and old and preached them about Shia religion. Before this in Kashmir valley only marsia were read by the zakirans in such congregations, then he organized (majlis Aza) and Islamic educational classes in different places in the valley and through these majalises and classes he preached about the Battle of Karbala and its significance and duties of young generation. For this he organized (ashra majalis ) Moharram congregations in different places in Kashmir with the assistance of his friends. Before this time no such majlises (congregations) were celebrated In Kashmir. At first he organized these majlis (congregations) in small rooms at different places where only 10-20 youngsters used to come and he preached them Islamic religion. Besides he assisted other Islamic organizations in this field. He also participated in educational conferences of different colleges as representative of Shia community.
Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori: A Pillar of Islamic Scholarship and Community Leadership in Kashmir
Early Life and Education
Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori was born in Gangoo, Pulwama, Kashmir, into a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. His father, a renowned religious scholar of his time, provided the initial foundation for Noori’s religious education. Under his father’s guidance, Noori developed a strong understanding of Islamic teachings and philosophy from an early age.
Seeking to further his education, Noori traveled to Banaras, India, where he enrolled in Jawadia Arabic College. There, he studied under the mentorship of Ayatollah Syed Zafrul Hasan Rizvi, a distinguished scholar. Noori’s dedication and academic excellence earned him the titles of Fazil from the Allahabad Board in Uttar Pradesh and Fakhr-ul-Afazil from Jawadia Arabic College. His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; he obtained a Master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University, solidifying his academic credentials.
To deepen his understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and theology, Noori went to Iran, where he studied under prominent scholars such as Aaqa Aatimadi, Aaqa Wijdani, and Aaqa Payane. This comprehensive education equipped him with profound knowledge in Islamic philosophy and jurisprudence, preparing him for his future roles as a scholar and community leader.
Positions and Roles
Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori holds several significant positions within the Islamic community in Kashmir. He is the chairman and president of the Jammu and Kashmir Ahl-e-Bait Foundation, an organization dedicated to the promotion and education of Shia Islam. He also serves as the patron of Idara Nashri Uloom Ahlulbait Kashmir, an institution focused on disseminating the teachings of the Ahlulbait. Previously, Noori was the vice principal of Jamia Elmia Imam Reza in Srinagar, where he played a crucial role in shaping the institution’s educational programs.
In addition to these roles, Noori is the wakil (representative) of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Kashmir, a position that underscores his prominence and respect within the Shia community. This role involves representing the interests and teachings of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, and ensuring that these are communicated and adhered to within the local context.
Contributions and Works
Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori is widely recognized for his religious lectures, particularly during the month of Muharram. His lectures not only address religious themes but also tackle social issues through the lens of Islamic philosophy. His eloquence and depth of knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker in various religious and educational forums.
One of Noori’s significant contributions has been the organization and promotion of Islamic educational classes throughout Kashmir. Upon returning from Qum in 1990, he initiated classes aimed at educating people of all ages about Shia Islam. He introduced the practice of holding majlis (religious gatherings) and ashra majalis (ten-day congregations) during Muharram to commemorate the Battle of Karbala and its significance. These gatherings, which began in small rooms with a handful of participants, have grown significantly over the years, attracting larger audiences and fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic teachings among the youth.
Noori also assisted other Islamic organizations and participated in educational conferences across various colleges as a representative of the Shia community. His efforts have played a crucial role in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding, as well as in addressing the educational needs of the community.
Legacy and Impact
Sheikh Ghulam Rasool Noori’s work has had a profound impact on the religious and social fabric of Kashmir. His commitment to education, religious scholarship, and community service has earned him a revered place among the Shia Muslims of the region. Through his lectures, organizational efforts, and leadership, Noori has contributed significantly to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the community.
His initiatives have not only preserved the rich traditions of Shia Islam in Kashmir but have also adapted them to contemporary contexts, making them relevant and accessible to newer generations. Noori’s legacy is one of dedication, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community. His contributions continue to inspire and guide many in their spiritual and educational journeys.