About

Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi was born in Lahore to a very religious family. His grandfather, Syed Safdar Abbas Rizvi, was an outstanding and highly esteemed scholar. Maulana had a close relationship with his grandfather, and hence became close to the many senior scholars who were friends with his grandfather.

At the age of twelve,

Maulana moved to Birmingham, UK. Although he excelled in his subjects, he demonstrated a keen interest in Islamic studies from an early age. To enhance and further his education, he moved to Qum, Iran. In Hawza he studied for many years under a number of esteemed, prominent, accomplished and highly regarded scholars, including Ayatullah Taqi Bahjat. Indeed, it was a great honour for Maulana that Ayatullah Bahjat placed the imamah on his head upon the completion of his Hawza studies.

During his time at Hawza,

Maulana Ali Raza Rizvi demonstrated that he was intelligent, hard-working, dedicated, determined, and far-sighted to his teachers and colleagues. He earned a Master’s degree in Arabic language as well as in Islamic Studies.

After leaving Iran,

Maulana worked in different cities as an Islamic scholar and resident ‘alim. He also began traveling to different countries to recite majalis. In addition to these activities, he wholeheartedly served the Shi’ah community in all their various needs and in turn earned their respect and loyalty. Maulana Ali Raza Rizvi worked in Islamic Centre England and then became the resident ‘alim of Idara-e-Jaaferiya in Tooting. He was also the resident ‘alim of Hyderi Islamic Centre and then the director of Markaz Ahlul Bayt for ten years. Maulana Ali Raza Rizvi was also responsible for Hidayat Television and its operations as a director for a short period of time.

For 25 years Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi has been propagating the message of Rasul Allah (SA) and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) throughout the world. He is among the most respected scholars in Pakistan, as the large crowds of hundreds and thousands who attend his majalis every year will attest.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi has not limited himself to reading majalis. He participates in many charitable endeavours across the world. One of the charities Maulana directs is the Saviour Foundation, which has overseen many projects such as orphanages (Burkina Faso), madressas, and schools (Najaf).

President of Majlis-e-Ulema Shia Europe (MUS)

In 2013, Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi was elected to be the president of the Majlis-e-Ulema Shia Europe (MUS) and then again for a consecutive term in 2015. As a result of the constitution of MUS, it is prohibited for a person to serve as a president for three periods in succession. Therefore, he returned to the role of President of MUS in 2016 and then again in 2018. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of MUS.

Upon becoming the President of MUS, Maulana divided the entire UK into five zones, namely, the Ammar Yasir zone, the Malik-e-Ashtar zone, the Salman-e-Farsi zone, the Ja’far-e-Tayyar zone, and the Abuzar Ghaffari zone. Since becoming active, MUS has gained a leading reputation among the Muslim Shi’ah community and has served as a focal point for resolving issues in the different centres of the Shi’ah community. Among other issues, MUS has resolved the moonsighting issue; most centres await announcements each month by MUS regarding moon sightings. MUS organises regular meetings and conventions to address the issues faced by the Shi’ah community, not only in Europe but across the world.

However, MUS had no premises to conduct its activities before Maulana Syed Ali Raza Rizvi became president. MUS has now purchased a property, but still endeavours for an even better site which can continue to serve both MUS and the growing Shi’ah community in the future

Leading Friday prayers at Hyderi Islamic Centre

For the past year Maulana Ali Raza Rizvi has been leading Friday prayers at Hyderi Islamic Centre. The style and content of his sermons are very unique and distinct, as he greatly emphasises upon the social, political, and economic aspects of the world. Each sermon offers the listener not only an increase in knowledge, but also practical instructions to implement in their daily lives.

Valuable asset across the world

Maulana Ali Raza Rizvi is undoubtedly a valuable asset for not just the Shi’ah community in the UK, but indeed across the world. He has been blessed with farsightedness and an influential and charismatic personality. The eloquence and knowledge manifest in his majalis have endeared him to Shi’ah and non-Shi’ah of all ages and backgrounds. We ask Allah (SWT) to bless him and grant him a long, healthy life in which he continues to serve the Ahlul Bayt (AS) and guide us to the Right Path.