Syed Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi

Early Life

Born in 1974 into a Sayyid family; a Pakistani Twelver Shia scholar who is based in Karachi, Pakistan.

Allama, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Allama Syed Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi (born 1974) is a Pakistani Twelver Shia scholar and orator (khatib) based in Karachi. He is widely known within Pakistan's Shia community for the majalis (mourning gatherings) he delivers each year, especially during the first ten days of Muharram, and holds the honorific titles of Allama and Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen. He belongs to a Sayyid family and received his religious education at the Hawza Ilmiyya in the Iranian city of Qom, a principal centre of Twelver Shia learning. After his studies he became active as a preacher and lecturer, addressing gatherings on Shia theology, the history of the Ahl al-Bayt, and the ethical and social responsibilities of a religious leader. Naqvi is associated with institutional work alongside his preaching, including the Babul-Ilm Dar-ul-Tehqeeq research and publication institution and the Al-Qaim Trust, which is engaged in social-welfare activity. In his lectures he has repeatedly stressed the need for unity among Muslims, urging Sunni and Shia communities to set aside differences, and has spoken on contemporary issues affecting Muslims. During Muharram he delivers a series of prominent majalis in Karachi, including at Nishtar Park and various imambargahs, many of which are broadcast on Shia satellite television networks and circulated widely online. He also travels to address Shia communities abroad, having spoken to audiences in countries such as India, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and Italy. He has featured in Pakistani news coverage in connection with religious events and public affairs, including meetings with national political figures, and has been reported on by outlets such as Dawn, The News and ARY News. In 2023 he was reported to have met the Archbishop of Greece during a visit connected to interfaith engagement. His public profile rests primarily on his oratory and his sustained presence in the annual azadari (mourning) calendar of Karachi's Shia community, where he is regarded as one of the well-known contemporary zakireen and scholars.