The deceased was active in matters related to Babri Masjid since 1986 when the locks of the mosque were opened. He had great value in matters related to Aligarh Muslim University students too.
Waquar Hasan | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Zafaryab Jilani, a veteran lawyer who represented the Muslim side in Babri Masjid case and noted official of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), passed away at 74 in a Lucknow hospital on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.
Jilani, who was the convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee, had suffered a brain hemorrhage after receiving an injury in his head. His illness was successfully treated after surgery. He was in good health for some time, reports reaching here said.
Jilani, who also served as the Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
Media reports quoted Najam Zafaryab, Jilani’s son, as saying that his father breathed his last at a local hospital around 11.50 a.m. He will be laid to rest Wednesday evening itself.
Qasim Rasool Ilyas, a member of the AIMPLB and a prominent Muslim leader, told Clarion India that Jilani’s death was a big loss not only for the Muslim Personal Law Board but also for the entire Muslim community.
“He was a big leader of the board and held a great amount of value, especially in matters related to legal issues. He fought the cases not just related to Babri Masjid which he argued in lower, high and supreme courts, he was also involved in all cases related to the board’s legal cell,” said Ilyas.
Jilani was a founding member of the AIMPLB, a member of its executive committee and used to represent it in the media. His death has created a big gap among legal luminaries on the board. It has lost several prominent lawyers, he said.
“Zafaryab Jilani’s death is a big setback for the board. We pray to Allah that we are endowed with a good replacement for him. And he is given the highest place in heaven,” said Ilyas.
Jilani was active in matters related to Babri Masjid since 1986 when the locks of the mosque were opened. At that time, he was appointed convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee.
“He had played a key role in waking up the Muslim community with regard to the issue of Babri Masjid demolition. He had also consolidated the opinion of the Muslim community about the mosque,” said Ilyas.
Jilani had great value in matters related to Aligarh Muslim University students too.
In a tweet, AIMPLB lauded his contribution. “Jilani was an experienced lawyer and had great sympathy towards the Muslim community. He had contributed a lot under the banner of All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board,” it said.
Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) also extended heartfelt condolence at Jilani’s demise.
“May Allah get him the highest reward for his struggle for justice and bless him with Maghfirah and Jannah!” said the SDPI in a statement.
