Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Bashiruddin dies at 82

Srinagar, Feb 12 Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Bashiruddin Ahmad died here on Tuesday.

Ahmad was 82. He was hospitalized on Monday evening after he complained of chest pain, the family of the Grand Mufti said.

They said he inhaled his last at the hospital around 3 am.

Ahmad was the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir for more than three decades. He got a bosses degree in Arabic and a law degree from Aligarh Muslim University before seeking after religious training.

The memorial service petitions for the Grand Mufti will be held this evening at Khanqah-e-Mo'alla in the old city.

Ahmad's child, Mufti Nasir-ul Islam, is probably going to succeed his dad as the Grand Mufti of the state.

Ahmad's passing has been widely mourned with political leaders sending sympathy messages.

"Sad to find out about passing without end of Mufti Bashiruddin saheb. In him Kashmir lost a respected religious researcher and thought leader... Stand in solidarity with the family and followers of Mufti saheb," PDP president Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.

"May Allah grant heaven to Mufti Bashir-ud-Din. My sympathies to the family during this time of great personal loss," National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said in his condolence message.