Maulana Fazlur Rahim Ashrafi, mohtamim of Jamia Ashrafia and a prominent religious scholar, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness, leaving religious, academic, and spiritual circles in deep mourning. Family sources said he had been unwell for a long period before his death.
The funeral prayer will be offered at Jamia Ashrafia at 2 pm on Monday. A large number of students, scholars, and devotees are expected to attend to pay their final respects to the revered scholar, who remained associated with teaching and guidance throughout his life.
A lifetime dedicated to the Quran and Sunnah
Sheikhul Hadith Hafiz Fazlur Rahim Ashrafi devoted his entire life to the teaching of the Quran and Sunnah and to the promotion of Islamic values. He earned widespread respect as a distinguished Hadith scholar and a compassionate spiritual guide. Over the decades, his academic and religious services shaped generations of students, many of whom now serve in religious and educational institutions across the country.
Scholars described him as a kind-hearted and warm personality whose influence extended beyond classrooms and mosques. Religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Zubair termed his death an irreparable loss to the academic and spiritual world, noting that his guidance left a lasting impression on all who met him.
National leaders pay tribute
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Maulana Fazlur Rahim Ashrafi, calling him a great religious scholar whose services to Islamic education would always be remembered. He said the void created by his death would not be filled for a long time and prayed for the elevation of his ranks.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also conveyed grief and extended condolences to the bereaved family. Stability Pakistan Party President Abdul Aleem Khan recalled his lasting scholarly legacy, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted his role in promoting interfaith harmony and opposing sectarianism and extremism.
Leaders and scholars collectively prayed for patience for the family and eternal peace for the departed soul.
