Noted spiritual personality Al Haaj Peer Shams-ud-Din (88) passed away on Friday at his Kupwara makeshift residence.
Born in 1933 in Sonard village of Lolab, Peer Shams-ud-Din passed away after prolonged illness and breathed his last after Friday prayers at Masjid Murshideen also Tablighi Markaz for Kupwara distrcit.
His Nimaz –e-Jinaza was offered after evening prayers and was led by Ameer Talighi Jamaat ,Jammu and Kashmir, Al Haaj Parvez Ahmad Khan. The jinazah was attended by thousands of people that included hundreds of ulmas who had come from different parts of Kashmir.
Peer Shams-ud-Din devoted his entire life to Tablighi Jamaat and was putting up at his makeshift residence which happens to be in close proximity to Masjid Murshideen. The Masjid came into existence in 1998 and since then Peer Shams-ud-Din used to live there. He devoted all his life to the propagation of Islamic teaching that promoted spirituality and brotherhood.
Meanwhile, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah have expressed grief over the demise.
In their condolence message, the duo prayed for peace to the departed and much needed strength to the bereaved. They also expressed unison with the scores of devotees and tutees of the deceased and termed the passing away of Peer Sahib, a big loss for the world of Islamic learning and theology.
Recalling his contribution, they said that Peer sahib was instrumental in transforming the lives of numerous students with his ease of illuminating exposition and profundity.
They prayed to the Almighty to bestow the departed soul with the highest echelons in the Jannat.
NCs provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani visited the residence of the bereaved in Kupwara and expressed solidarity with them in their hour of grief.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has also expressed grief over the demise. Expressing condolences Mufti described him as an embodiment of spirituality and as someone who lived his life with humility and benevolence.
” News of the demise of Shamsuddin Sahab has pained me. I pray to the Almighty to grant him high status in Jannah and give his family and followers strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Mufti said.
Mehbooba further said that Peer sahab will always be remembered for his spiritual guidance and social contributions to the society. Apni Party President Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari has also expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of Al Haaj Peer Shams-ud-Din.
In his condolence message, Bukhari termed his demise a personal loss while describing him as an epitome of spirituality, humility and benevolence.
“Peer Sahib had dedicated his whole life for the propagation of Islamic teachings that promoted spirituality, brotherhood and peace. His life was a beacon of light that brought hope and love in the lives of people across the length and breadth of Kashmir. He lived a simple life and was helpful to those in need,” he remarked.
Bukhari said that his demise has left a huge void hard to be filled and he will always be remembered for his altruistic services for times to come. He said that Peer Sahib’s teachings were aimed at religious awakening and spiritual upliftment among the people and his contribution in this field shall be marked with golden letters in the annals of history.
“Peer Sahib’s demise is a personal loss for me and my family. I extend my heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family members especially Al Haaj Peer Abdur Rashid Sahib in this time of grief. I further pray for the peace to the departed soul and forbearance to the family, associates and acquaintances of Peer Sahib to bear this irreparable loss,” Bukhari said.