ISLAMABAD, Thursday, June 12, 2025 : A solemn prayer ceremony was held at the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in memory of renowned religious scholar and former member of the Council, Dr. Muhammad Sarfraz Naeemi Al-Azhari on Thursday.
The gathering paid tribute to his remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s religious, national, and humanitarian causes, as well as to his ultimate sacrifice in the fight against extremism.
Addressing the event, CII Chairman, Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, highlighted the historical significance of Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi’s Fatwa declaring suicide attacks as un-Islamic. “This landmark religious decree laid the foundation for Pakistan’s formal stance against suicide bombings and the extremist ideology of the Khawarij,” he added. He said Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi was martyred by militants on June 12, 2009, along with four of his close students, in a suicide bombing at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore, as a direct consequence of his bold religious verdict.
Dr. Raghib noted that Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi’s martyrdom strengthened the resolve of the state and security institutions to take decisive action against terrorism. “He trained hundreds of religious scholars who continue to serve both in Pakistan and abroad,” he said, also recalling his extensive humanitarian efforts during the 2005 earthquake and devastating floods.
In recognition of his services, the Government of Pakistan posthumously awarded Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi the Hilal-e-Shujaat and Sitara-e-Shujaat, two of the country’s highest civilian honors for bravery.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Zafarullah Baig, former Dean of Usul al-Din at the International Islamic University Islamabad, praised Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi’s enduring contributions to Islam and Pakistan. “He was a humble, approachable personality whose legacy will be cherished for generations,” he said.
Chairman Dr. Raghib Naeemi concluded the ceremony with special prayers not only for Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi but also for all soldiers and officers of the armed forces who have laid down their lives in the defense of the nation against terrorism.
