KD NEWS SERVICE
BANDIPORA, Nov 15: Bandipora district was enveloped in grief on Thursday following the passing of Qazi Zahoor Ahmad, a distinguished religious scholar, revered Hafiz-e-Quran, accomplished qari and respected Naat khawan. He breathed his last in Srinagar after a brief illness at the age of 65.
His mortal remains were brought to his ancestral village, Khayar in Bandipora, where he was laid to rest amid an atmosphere of profound sorrow. A large number of people from different parts of Bandipora district assembled in the village to participate in the funeral prayers, which were led by noted Islamic scholar Mufti Nazir Ahmad of Darul Uloom Raheemiya, Bandipora.
Residents of Khayar and neighbouring areas lined the funeral route to pay their last respects to the scholar, whose melodious Quranic recitation and soulful naats had long been admired across the district. Many mourners recalled his humility, simplicity, and his lifelong dedication to imparting Quranic teachings.
The deceased was also the first cousin of Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad, and people from various parts of Bandipora visited the family residence to offer condolences and express solidarity with the bereaved family.
Condolence messages poured in from all walks of life within Bandipora. Religious scholars described his demise as a major loss to the district’s spiritual and devotional landscape, noting how his guidance had shaped the religious upbringing of many young students. Local imams and khateebs remembered him as a figure of deep piety, whose commitment to the Quran left an enduring impression on the community.
Teachers, students and colleagues from religious institutions across Bandipora shared memories of his soft-spoken nature and the inspiration he provided during religious gatherings, especially during Ramadan and Milad-un-Nabi events. Civil society members too expressed grief, stating that his absence had created a void in the cultural and spiritual life of the district.
Naat reciters and members of the district’s devotional circles mourned the loss of a voice whose distinct style had enriched Bandipora’s religious traditions. Community elders in Khayar village said his contributions would be remembered with respect and gratitude for years to come.
As Bandipora bids farewell to Qazi Zahoor Ahmad, residents said his legacy of humility, scholarship and devotion to the Quran would continue to inspire the coming generations.
