Renowned Pakistani Sufi scholar and spiritual leader Pir Zulfiqar Ahmad Naqshbandi has passed away, leaving behind a deep sense of loss across religious, political, and social circles. He died in Jhang, where his funeral prayers will be held on Monday. Large crowds are expected to attend, reflecting his wide following and lasting influence.
News of his death spread quickly, prompting condolences from across Pakistan and beyond. Many described the moment as a collective loss for the Muslim community.
انا للہ و انا الیہ راجعون
پیر ذوالفقار احمد نقشبندیؒ کے انتقال کی خبر سن کر دلی صدمہ ہوا۔ ان سے عقیدت کا تعلق تھا اور وہ بھی نہایت شفقت رکھتے تھے۔ وہ دینی اور روحانی تربیت کے روشن مینار تھے جنہوں نے اپنی زندگی دینِ اسلام کی خدمت، تزکیۂ نفس، اصلاحِ معاشرہ اور محبت و اخلاص کے پیغام… pic.twitter.com/HHG1PjZUbZ— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) December 14, 2025
Decades of Spiritual Leadership
Pir Zulfiqar Ahmad Naqshbandi stood as a leading figure of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. This spiritual path emphasizes inner purification, self-discipline, and remembrance of God. Over the years, he guided thousands of followers through teachings focused on ethical conduct and spiritual awareness.
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For more than fifty years, he dedicated his life to religious education, preaching, and writing. Through sermons and books, he consistently addressed issues of moral decline and social injustice. As a result, many people turned to him for spiritual direction during difficult times.
Importantly, his approach combined classical Islamic scholarship with practical guidance. He urged followers to reform themselves before seeking to reform society. Consequently, his teachings gained respect across generations.
Tributes from Religious Scholars
Soon after his passing, senior religious leaders expressed deep sorrow. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the death as a shared tragedy for the entire nation.
In his statement, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the community itself deserved condolences. He praised Pir Zulfiqar as the pride of Sufism and a leader of knowledge and action. Moreover, he highlighted the scholar’s lifelong commitment to preaching, spiritual instruction, and moral reform.
Meanwhile, well-known Islamic scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel also shared his grief. He said the news left him heartbroken and deeply saddened.
پیر طریقت حضرت پیر ذوالفقار احمد نقشبندی صاحب کے وصال کی خبر سے دل انتہائی رنجیدہ اور غمگین ہے. وہ ایک ایسی ہستی تھے جن کی پوری زندگی اللہ کی رضا، دین کی خدمت اور انسانیت کی رہنمائی میں گزری اور ان کی وفات سے امت ایک عظیم رہنما سے محروم ہو گئی.
اللہ تعالیٰ حضرت کی مغفرت فرمائے،…
— Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) December 14, 2025
According to Maulana Tariq Jameel, Pir Zulfiqar devoted his entire life to seeking the pleasure of God. He added that the Muslim ummah had lost a great spiritual mentor whose guidance shaped countless lives.
Political Leaders Join in Mourning
Political figures also acknowledged Pir Zulfiqar’s far-reaching influence. Federal Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ahsan Iqbal expressed heartfelt sorrow over the loss.
He said the news caused him deep personal pain. He also recalled a relationship built on respect and affection. Additionally, he described Pir Zulfiqar as a source of kindness and compassion.
Furthermore, Ahsan Iqbal called him a shining beacon of religious and spiritual training. He noted that Pir Zulfiqar spent his life serving Islam, promoting self-purification, and encouraging social harmony. Through these efforts, he consistently spread messages of love, sincerity, and unity.
Voices from Beyond Pakistan
Reactions also came from outside Pakistan. Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq shared his condolences through social media.
اِنّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنّا اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُون
انتہائی رنج و غم کے ساتھ حضرت پیر ذوالفقار احمد نقشبندیؒ کی وفات کی خبر موصول ہوئی۔ یہ سانحہ امتِ مسلمہ کے لیے ایک عظیم دعوتی اور روحانی خسارہ ہے۔ مرحوم اصلاحِ نفس، تزکیۂ قلب اور دین کی خاموش مگر گہری خدمت کا روشن چراغ تھے۔ اللّٰہ تعالیٰ…— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) December 14, 2025
He described the death as a major spiritual and missionary loss for the Muslim world. According to him, Pir Zulfiqar quietly served Islam with depth and sincerity. He also praised his emphasis on inner reform and spiritual consciousness.
Such responses highlighted the transnational impact of Pir Zulfiqar’s teachings. Over time, his influence reached audiences well beyond regional borders.
Enduring Legacy of Faith and Reform
In addition, many other religious scholars and political leaders paid tribute. They highlighted his contributions to Islamic learning and Sufi tradition. Many described him as a guiding light during challenging moral times.
Pakistan has long embraced Sufi traditions, with millions following various spiritual orders. Figures like Pir Zulfiqar have played a vital role in promoting peaceful expressions of faith. Moreover, they often act as bridges between religious values and social responsibility.
Although his passing marks the end of an era, his teachings continue through students, writings, and institutions inspired by his work. As funeral preparations move forward, grief remains widespread. At the same time, many reflect on a life devoted to faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
