I am Syed Mohammad Zaki Baqri, a humble servant of Islam. When I arrived in Toronto in 1979, I immediately recognized the need for a coordinated effort to provide guidance to individuals migrating from the subcontinent. My first step in addressing this need was the establishment of The Council of Islamic Guidance in 1984. This organization provides spiritual and moral guidance to people of all ages in the greater Toronto area.
Understanding the social challenges faced by Muslim youth living in Western culture, I felt the need for an organization that would strengthen the family structure in society while adhering to Islamic principles. Additionally, while working closely with young minds, I realized the importance of creating a space open to all those seeking the truth, a place where religious duties could be performed and community interactions strengthened. This vision led to the founding of the Al Mahdi Community Center in 1995, located in Pickering, Ontario. The center serves as a hub for Shia Muslims in and around Toronto, offering religious programs and interactive activities for all ages in the community.
I have strived to adopt Islam as a complete code of life, loving the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.), and following their simple yet profound principles. This life-long pursuit has graced with me the roles of a counselor, teacher, and humble servant to the community. I am blessed to travel around the world, conducting seminars, speeches, and workshops addressing social issues faced by Muslim youth today, from the perspective of Islam and through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.).
Daruz Zahra (s.a): A Place Where Hearts Melt
Human beings possess an innate desire for eternal existence. The teachings of Islam provide a path to fulfill this profound yearning. The worth of a person is not measured by their wealth or worldly possessions but by their actions and contributions to society.
قال الإمام علي (عليه السلام): قيمة كل امرئ ما يحسنه Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “"The worth of every person is based on the good they do.”
Reflecting upon this beautiful saying leads us to understand that a person’s value lies in their life goals. Many strive for material possessions like fancy homes or expensive cars, limiting their worth to these items. However, those who work towards establishing schools, colleges, or seminaries for the benefit of others achieve priceless value.
My father, Thiqqatul Islam Maulana Syed Abbas Hussain al-Baqri, dedicated his life to initiating such noble missions in southern India, particularly in Alipur and its surrounding areas. Growing up under his guidance taught me invaluable lessons about life’s true purpose. Among his many initiatives was the establishment of Daruz Zahra (s.a.), a center dedicated to women’s mental, spiritual, and educational development.
Dating back nearly 100 years ago, my father initiated a five-day Majalis series during the martyrdom anniversary of Bibi Fatimah Zahra (s.a.), commemorated on 13th Jamadi al-Awwal at our home. These gatherings attracted Momineen from nearby towns such as Putenahalli, Duddabalapur, and Karimpur. Over time, attendance grew as people joined with the sole intention of offering condolences to Imam al-Mahdi (atf). My father envisioned a center that would cater specifically to women’s development needs—a vision that culminated in the creation of Daruz Zahra (s.a.).
“Is he who lays his foundation on piety and seeking Allah’s pleasure better or he who lays his foundation on the brink of a crumbling precipice?” (al-Quran 9:109)
أَفَمَنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَهُ عَلَىٰ تَقْوَىٰ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانٍ خَيْرٌ أَمْ مَنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَانَهُ عَلَىٰ شَفَا جُرُفٍ هَارٍ فَانْهَارَ بِهِ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ
Completion of Darul-Zahra (SA) Alipur:
A Beacon of Spiritual and Educational Excellence
The establishment of Darul-Zahra (SA) in Alipur marked a transformative milestone for the community, creating a vibrant center that caters to the spiritual, educational, and social needs of both men and women. This multipurpose complex serves as a hub for year-round activities, including marriages, Mahafil, and Majalis, while remaining deeply committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community.
One of its most remarkable features is Madrasa Az Zahra, a dedicated educational institution within the complex where approximately 70 girls reside and learn Islam based on the curriculum of the Hawza in Qum. Graduates from Madrasa Az Zahra have gone on to serve the Momineen community globally, embodying the values instilled during their time at this esteemed institution.
Moreover, five years before at this beautiful complex we established Az Zahra Women’s College, a groundbreaking initiative launched to support young girls—especially those who married early—in continuing their education. This initiative has empowered countless young women to pursue their academic aspirations without compromising their Islamic principles.
In essence, Darul-Zahra (SA) stands as the heart of Alipur, symbolizing the town's spiritual and cultural core. Its vision extends beyond its current achievements, aiming to elevate its role as a center for higher education and community development. May Allah (SWT) grant us Tawfiq to fulfill these noble aspirations.
It is our dream, InshaAllah (swt), to elevate this great center into an open university for Mominat seeking higher education. May Allah (swt) grant us Tawfiq to achieve these lofty goals and draw closer to Him—Ameen.
Sincerely,
A Humble Servant Syed Mohammed Zaki Baqri (Beseecher of His Forgiveness)
It is more delightful when the secrets of beloveds are spoken through the tongues of others.” (Firdosi)
Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri: A Distinguished Personality
Hujjatul Islam Syed Mohammad Zaki Baqri, due to his exceptional talents and unforgettable services, holds a prominent position among the scholarly and oratory figures of the East and West. He is simultaneously a preacher, researcher, author, philosopher, and mystic. Proficient in multiple languages, including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English, his comprehensive personality is a source of pride for Islamic history and revolutionary movements. A lover of worship and deeply devoted to the supplications of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), he has inherited the tradition of mourning Imam Hussain (AS), especially the commemoration of Lady Fatima Zahra (SA), which he organizes with unmatched dedication.
Birth and Education
Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri was born in the Shia-majority village of Alipur in southern India. He received his early education locally and pursued religious studies under his father, Mohsin-e-Millat Thiqatul-Islam Maulana Abbas Hussain Sahib Qibla (RA). It is his greatest honor to be the son and student of Maulana Abbas Hussain, a practicing scholar, mystic, philosopher, and teacher of ethics who served the Ahlul Bayt (AS) school for 80 years across southern India.
Recognizing his keen interest in religious education, his father sent him to Hyderabad to study under his paternal uncle Sultan-ul-Ulama Syed Ghulam Hussain Raza Agha Qibla (RA) for four years. Later, he studied under Hujjatul Islam Roshan Ali Sahib Qibla (RA) in Bangalore, an accomplished scholar with expertise in Arabic literature, jurisprudence, and principles.
Higher Education
After completing his education in India, Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri traveled to Iran for advanced studies. In Qom al-Muqaddasah, he studied under eminent scholars and maraji' (religious authorities) while honing his skills in preaching, writing, and translation. He completed a comprehensive course on Islamic beliefs under Ustad Mohsin Qara’ati (RA), which greatly influenced his oratory style. The philosophical insights of Martyr Murtadha Mutahhari also played a significant role in shaping his intellectual development.
Pulpit and Worship
Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri exemplifies the balance between pulpit (oratory) and worship (spirituality in action), a hallmark of successful religious scholars. His speeches are admired worldwide for their impactful messages and boldness in addressing modern challenges. He introduced innovative topics to the pulpit that were previously considered taboo, such as child upbringing, reasons for educational and economic backwardness among Muslims, solutions to youth problems from an Islamic perspective, and the necessity of unity among Muslims.
Morality and Character
In addition to being an unparalleled orator, Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri is known for his exemplary character. Humility is his defining trait. He is simple-minded yet empathetic toward others’ difficulties. He shows special affection toward religious students and strives to equip scholars with knowledge relevant to contemporary needs. He is also an ardent admirer of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Scholarly Contributions
His published works include “Learn to read Quran in 18 Lessons” "Easy Translation of Salah," "Brief Commentary on Dua-e-Sabah," "English Translation of Hadith Qudsi,“ Excellent advice from Imam Sadiq (a.s.), “Earth Day” (Dahwul Ard), “Tarbiate Awalad (Urdu), ”Criteria of a Successful family”(Urdu), “Marriage is a gift of God”; During the covid era he instituted the “Rivival Dars,” a collection of online lectures compiled upon the request of Melbourne, Australia youth. He has authored many articles published in reputable magazines, such as Islah of Lucknow, India. Additionally, through the Al-Balagh Organization, over 45 books have been published under his supervision.
Religious and Social Services:
Chief Patron of Anjuman Jafaria Alipur: An unparalleled organization in India overseeing religious, social, and political activities.
Head of Al-Balagh Organization: Responsible for managing seminaries and supporting scholars across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Completion of Darul-Zahra (SA) Alipur: Marked the establishment of a major center that offers educational and community facilities for both men and women. This multipurpose complex serves as a hub for year-round activities, including marriages, Mahafil, and Majalis, while consistently catering to the needs of the community. In this beautiful complex, there is a dedicated structure serving as Madrasa Az Zahra, where nearly 70 girls reside to learn Islam through the curriculum of the Hawza in Qum; Many graduated girls from Madrasa Az Zahra are serving the Momineen community all over the world. Approximately five years prior to the creation of Az Zahra Women’s College, a highly successful initiative was launched to enable girls, particularly those who married early, to continue their education. In conclusion, Daruz Zahra serves as the heart of the town of Alipur, symbolizing its spiritual and cultural core.
Advisor to the Council of Islamic Guidance Toronto: Serving as Imam Jummah and overseeing community development since 1984. Presently, this organization is undertaking the challenge of building the new Al-Mahdi Islamic Community Center, the estimated cost of which may exceed $15 million.
Alipur is a unique town where approximately 20,000 Shias reside, most of whom are Sadat. Remarkably, the town does not have a police station, and none of its disputes or cases are taken to court. Instead, all matters are resolved under the supervision of the Anjuman-e-Jafria, which operates under the guidance of the scholars from the Al-Balagh Organization.
Every two years, the Imam of Jumu'ah and other prayer leaders are rotated with new ones, as decided by the Ulama. Their stipends are paid by the Ulama. Similarly, the administrators of two seminaries, Howza of Baqir-ul-Uloom for boys and Madrasah al-Zahra for girls, are replaced every five years under the supervision of the Ulama.
May Allah grant Hujjatul Islam Zaki Baqri health and longevity to continue serving humanity further!
Sincerely,
Syed Adeel Raza
(the Resident Alim at the KSI Jamaat in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
