Full Name: Ehsan Elahi Zaheer
Born: 31 May 1945
Place of Birth: Sialkot, Punjab, India
Religion: Islam
Political party: Jamiat Ahle Hadith
Education: University of Madinah
Children: Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, Hisham Elahi Zaheer, Motasim Elahi Zaheer
Ehsan Elahi Zaheer Biography :
- Early Life and Education: Ehsan Elahi Zaheer was born in 1940 in Sialkot, Pakistan, into a devout Punjabi trading family. His father, Haji Zahoor Ilahi, was known for his deep religious commitment. Zaheer received his formal education in Gujranwala and Faisalabad before pursuing higher studies. He earned master’s degrees in Arabic, Islamic studies, Urdu, and Persian from the University of the Punjab. He furthered his studies in Islamic law at the University of Madinah under various scholars.
- Founding of Jamiat Ahle Hadith: Ehsan Elahi Zaheer founded the political party Jamiat Ahle Hadith in March 1986. This party aimed to represent the interests of the Ahle Hadith movement in Pakistan and promote its ideology.
- Political Career: Prior to founding Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Zaheer was associated with the political party Tehreek-e-Istiqlal. His involvement led to a significant rise in the party’s popularity, making it the second most popular party in Pakistan during that time. However, he left Tehreek-e-Istiqlal in 1978.
- Criticism of Zia-ul-Haq: Ehsan Elahi Zaheer was known for his outspoken criticism of General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime and its policies. His political activism often targeted Zia-ul-Haq’s administration, particularly regarding issues related to Islamic governance and religious freedom.
- Assassination: Tragically, Zaheer fell victim to an assassination attempt in 1987 when a bomb blast targeted him. He was critically injured and transported to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for medical treatment. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries and was buried in Mazar-Al-Baqi.
- Legacy: Ehsan Elahi Zaheer is remembered as one of the most influential religious figures in Pakistan, known for his scholarly contributions, political activism, and unwavering commitment to the Ahle Hadith movement. His legacy continues through Jamiat Ahle Hadith, which was led by his son, Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, after his death.
( Last Updated: 20 January 2024 )