A Heartfelt Farewell A Warm Welcome – April 10 2025 Mumbai

The deeply moving ceremony marked the farewell of Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Mahdavipour and the introduction of Dr. Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi as the new representative of the Supreme Leader in India.

The event began with a serene recitation of the Holy Qur'an.

Mawlawi Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Director of Aza Khana and Zainabia Hall, praised Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour’s deep engagement with all religious and social communities across India — Shia, Sunni, and beyond — and his sincere affection for the people of this diverse nation.

Sayyed Hossein Mahdi Hosseini, head of the “Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind” in Mumbai, highlighted Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour’s visits to remote regions such as Kashmir and Bengal to observe the condition of Shia Muslims and other oppressed communities firsthand.

“Though he may be leaving physically,” he said, “his memory and connection with us will forever remain.”

A documentary summarizing Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour’s 15 years of service was screened, touching the hearts of all attendees.

In his address, Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour expressed gratitude to all organizers and guests from across Maharashtra, emphasized the duties of the Supreme Leader’s representative, and reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the oppressed — especially the people of Palestine. He noted that during his time in India, he encountered friendliness from the central and state governments.

Mawlawi Sayyed Hasnain Kararavi, former Imam of Masjid-e-Iranian, called Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour a father figure for the community and warmly welcomed Dr. Hakim Elahi, pledging continued unity and cooperation from the Shia faithful of Mumbai and across India.

Dr. Hakim Elahi expressed appreciation for Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour’s impactful presence, citing his eloquent speeches in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and beyond. He also noted that even friends from Hindu, Sikh, Christian, and Sunni backgrounds were saddened by his departure.

In the concluding speech, Mawlawi Sayyed Najib al-Hasan Zaidi honored Hujjat al-Islam Mahdavipour’s humility and service.